Best Selective Herbicide For Grass for Turf, Gardens, and Food Plots
A strong selective herbicide for grass targets unwanted grassy weeds while protecting the desirable plants named on its label, making it useful for gardeners, landscapers, and food-plot managers. The products here range from garden concentrates that make 8 or 16 gallons of spray to turf-and-ornamental formulas and a product developed specifically for perennial food plots. Those differences matter: a treatment suited to clover or alfalfa may not be the right choice for a landscape, and a larger bottle does not automatically cover more area without the label’s mixing directions.
The leading options include products for annual and perennial grasses, spot or over-the-top use, and targeted control in turf. Match the intended site and target grass to the product label before choosing a concentrate size or application method.
Ferti-lome Over The Top Grass Killer leads because its listed facts fit a broad range of garden and landscape needs: it targets annual and perennial grass weeds, can be applied around vegetables, gardens, trees, shrubs, and ornamentals, and its 8-ounce concentrate makes 8 gallons of spray solution. It is a practical choice when you need selective post-emergent grass control around listed desirable plants. Check the label for eligible plants, application directions, and harvest intervals before treating edible crops.
Our Top Picks
Best OverallTargets annual and perennial grass weeds, is listed for use around vegetables, gardens, trees, shrubs, and ornamentals, and makes 8 gallons.
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Highest CapacityIts selective concentrate is listed for use around gardens, vegetables, trees, shrubs, and ornamentals, and the 16-ounce bottle makes 16 gallons.
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Spot Treatment OptionControls annual and perennial grass weeds in turf and landscaped areas, supports spot or over-the-top application, and is described as rain-resistant after one hour.
View on Amazon- Compact Turf Option Syngenta Fusilade II 4 Oz
- Crabgrass Specialist Bayer Acclaim-Extra
Compare Selective Grass Herbicides by Use and Fit
| # | Product | Weight | Form | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1. Ferti-lome Over The TopBest Overall | 8 oz | Liquid | View on Amazon |
| 2 | 2. Hi-Yield Grass KillerHighest Capacity | 15.9 oz | Liquid | View on Amazon |
| 3 | 3. Syngenta Fusilade II 16 OzSpot Treatment Option | 16 oz | Spray | View on Amazon |
| 4 | 4. Syngenta Fusilade II 4 OzCompact Turf Option | 4 oz | Liquid | View on Amazon |
| 5 | 5. Atticus Vendra II SRXCompact Measure-and-Pour Treatment | 5.44 oz | Liquid | View on Amazon |
| 6 | 6. Bayer Acclaim-ExtraCrabgrass Specialist | 1.2 lb | Liquid | View on Amazon |
| 7 | 7. Whitetail Institute Arrest MaxPerennial Food-Plot Growers | 8 oz | Spray | View on Amazon |
Detailed Reviews: Best Selective Herbicide For Grass

#1 · Best Overall
1. Ferti-lome Over The Top
- Weight: 8 oz
- Form: Liquid
Best for: Annual and Perennial Grass Control.
Why it ranks #1: Targets annual and perennial grass weeds, is listed for use around vegetables, gardens, trees, shrubs, and ornamentals, and makes 8 gallons.
Control of both annual and perennial grass weeds is the central strength of ferti-lome Over The Top Grass Killer, giving gardeners a stated option for either category. The selective post-emergent concentrate is listed for use around vegetables, gardens, trees, shrubs, and ornamentals, with growth stopping two days after application.
This 8-ounce liquid concentrate makes 8 gallons of spray solution, connecting a compact bottle to a larger volume of prepared treatment. Its listed use around vegetables, gardens, trees, shrubs, and ornamentals suits mixed landscape areas, while control of annual and perennial grass weeds makes the target range explicit. Apply when grassy weeds are actively growing; the supplied information also notes that warm, sunny weather accelerates activity and gives separate harvest timing considerations for vegetables and fruits.
- Controls annual and perennial grass weeds
- Concentrate makes 8 gallons of spray solution
- Listed for use around vegetables and gardens
- Warm, sunny weather accelerates activity
- Vegetable and fruit use has a minimum pre-harvest interval to observe.
Skip it if you want the listed 16-gallon yield from one concentrate; Hi-Yield Grass Killer makes 16 gallons of spray solution.
This fits gardeners treating active annual or perennial grass weeds around ornamentals, shrubs, or edible plantings who value a defined 8-gallon yield. For vegetable and fruit use, account for the listed pre-harvest interval and follow label directions.
Full product details
| Brand | ferti-lome |
|---|---|
| Included Components | planters |
| Item Form | Liquid |
| Item Weight | 8 ounces |
| Manufacturer | VOLUNTARY PURCHASING GROUP |
| Model Number | 10434 |
| Additional Information | Important information Safety Information safety_warning Directions Application varies by dimension, application method. See label for application instruction. |
Listed on Amazon as: Fertilome 8 Oz Over The Top Grass Killer – 10434
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#2 · Highest Capacity
2. Hi-Yield Grass Killer
- Weight: 15.9 oz
- Form: Liquid
Best for: Garden-Bed Grass Control.
Why it ranks #2: Its selective concentrate is listed for use around gardens, vegetables, trees, shrubs, and ornamentals, and the 16-ounce bottle makes 16 gallons.
A concentrate that makes 16 gallons of spray solution gives Hi-Yield a practical role when grass weeds are spreading around gardens, vegetables, trees, shrubs, or ornamentals. Its selective post-emergent action targets grass growth, while the listed two-day growth-stop timing offers a concrete indication of how quickly treated grasses respond.
The 16-ounce liquid concentrate yields 16 gallons of spray solution, which can support treatment across multiple areas without handling a ready-to-use container. Its stated use around vegetables, gardens, trees, shrubs, and ornamentals makes it relevant to mixed plantings where grass growth needs selective control. The product is post-emergent, so it is aimed at grass that has already emerged; application amount varies with dimensions and method, making label directions important when planning coverage.
- Concentrate makes 16 gallons of spray solution
- Selective post-emergent herbicide targets grass growth
- Listed for use around vegetables and gardens
- Also listed for use around trees, shrubs, and ornamentals
- Application amount varies with treatment dimensions and method.
Skip it if you need a herbicide specifically identified for annual and perennial grasses; ferti-lome Over The Top Grass Killer lists both.
This suits gardeners treating emerged grass growth around mixed beds, trees, shrubs, or ornamentals who want a concentrate for multiple applications. It is not the clearest match when annual and perennial grass control is a stated priority; follow the label for application amounts.
Full product details
| Brand | Hi-Yield |
|---|---|
| Item Form | Liquid |
| Item Weight | 15.9 ounces |
| Manufacturer | VPG FERTILOME |
| Model Number | 31135 |
Listed on Amazon as: Hi Yield 16 Oz Grass Killer
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#3 · Spot Treatment Option
3. Syngenta Fusilade II 16 Oz
- Weight: 16 oz
- Form: Spray
Best for: Rain-Resistant Landscape Treatment.
Why it ranks #3: Controls annual and perennial grass weeds in turf and landscaped areas, supports spot or over-the-top application, and is described as rain-resistant after one hour.
Rain resistance after just one hour gives Syngenta Fusilade II a useful scheduling detail for treating grass weeds in turf and landscaped areas. The 16-ounce spray controls annual and perennial grasses and can be used as a spot treatment or over the top without damaging ornamental plants, according to the supplied product information.
The 16-ounce spray is listed for turf and landscaped areas, while control of annual and perennial grass weeds covers both stated grass categories. Spot treatment offers a focused option for localized weeds; over-the-top application provides another approach among ornamental plants. The supplied directions specify measuring 0.4–0.6 ounces per 1,000 square feet or 16–24 ounces per acre and mixing with a nonionic surfactant. Its stated rain resistance after one hour can help with treatment scheduling.
- Controls annual and perennial grass weeds
- Listed for turf and landscaped areas
- Offers spot-treatment and over-the-top application
- Stands up to rain after one hour
- Use requires a nonionic surfactant.
Skip it if you want an explicitly listed 4-ounce concentrate with Tip N’ Measure packaging; Atticus Vendra II SRX has those features.
This fits landscape and turf managers needing spot or over-the-top grass control and a stated one-hour rain-resistance interval. Plan for the required nonionic surfactant and use the listed treatment-area rates when preparing an application.
Full product details
| Brand | Syngenta |
|---|---|
| Item Form | Spray |
| Item Weight | 16 ounces |
| Manufacturer | Syngenta |
| Model Number | Selective Herbicide |
| Additional Information | Important information Safety Information Use a nonionic surfactant with the product. Directions 1. Measure the correct amount of Fusilade II Turf and Ornamental Herbicide based on the treatment area (0.4-0.6 oz/1000 sq ft or 16-24 oz/A). 2. Mix the herbicide with sufficient water and a nonionic surfactant. 3. Apply the mixture to the target area. |
Listed on Amazon as: Fusilade Selective Herbicide II 73215, White
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#4 · Compact Turf Option
4. Syngenta Fusilade II 4 Oz
- Weight: 4 oz
- Form: Liquid
Best for: Landscape and Sports-Field Care.
Why it ranks #4: A 4-ounce liquid with 24.5% fluazifop-P-butyl, listed for grass weeds in landscapes, nurseries, and sports fields without harming ornamentals.
Over-the-top application is one stated option for Syngenta Fusilade II, letting landscape and turf users target grass weeds among ornamentals without limiting treatment to spot application. The 4-ounce liquid concentrate controls annual and perennial grasses and is identified for settings including landscapes, nurseries, and sports fields.
Fusilade II targets both annual and perennial grass weeds, giving landscape and nursery managers a single selective herbicide for the two listed categories. The supplied description also identifies sports fields and says it can be applied over the top or as a directed treatment, offering application flexibility across those settings. Its 24.5% fluazifop-P-butyl formulation provides a named active ingredient, while the 4-ounce bottle is a compact concentrate rather than a large ready-to-use spray.
- Controls annual and perennial grass weeds
- Listed for landscapes, nurseries, and sports fields
- Can be applied over the top or as a directed treatment
- Contains 24.5% fluazifop-P-butyl
- The supplied package is a 4-ounce bottle.
Skip it if you need a larger listed bottle for repeated coverage; Syngenta Fusilade Selective Herbicide II is supplied as a 16-ounce spray.
This is a fit for landscape, nursery, or sports-field users seeking selective annual and perennial grass control, including over-the-top use. The supplied bottle is 4 ounces, so consider the package size alongside the area you plan to treat.
Full product details
| Brand | Syngenta |
|---|---|
| Included Components | 1 4oz bottle |
| Item Form | Liquid |
| Item Weight | 4 ounces |
| Manufacturer | Syngenta |
| Model Number | Fusilade-4oz |
Listed on Amazon as: Syngenta Fusilade II Herbicide – Grass Weed Killer Spray for Selective Control in Turf & Landscapes, Safe on Ornamentals, Fast Acting Weed Control for Nurseries & Sports Fields – 4 oz
View on AmazonWhy it ranks #5: The 4-ounce bottle contains 24.5% fluazifop-p-butyl and is described as selectively targeting grassy weeds without damaging desirable grass and ornamental plants.
Atticus Vendra II SRX pairs a 4-fluid-ounce bottle with Tip N’ Measure packaging, making accurate measuring and pouring the clearest practical draw for targeted grass-weed work. Its 24.5% fluazifop-p-butyl selectively targets grassy weeds, and the supplied facts identify Bermudagrass among the problem weeds it addresses.
The Tip N’ Measure bottle is promoted for easy measuring and pouring, a useful workflow feature when preparing a treatment from this liquid concentrate. Its 4-fluid-ounce size is described as convenient for storage, making it easier to keep on hand than a larger package. The 24.5% fluazifop-p-butyl active ingredient is identified as the same active ingredient as Fusilade II, and the product is described as selective for grassy weeds around desirable grass and ornamental plants.
- Contains 24.5% fluazifop-p-butyl
- Tip N’ Measure bottle supports measuring and pouring
- 4-fluid-ounce bottle is described as easy to store
- Selectively targets grassy weeds without damaging desirable grass and ornamentals
- The supplied bottle contains 4 fluid ounces.
Skip it if you need a 16-ounce Syngenta spray for turf and landscaped areas; Fusilade Selective Herbicide II is supplied in that size.
This suits users seeking a compact concentrate with a measuring-and-pouring bottle for selective grassy-weed treatment. Its 4-fluid-ounce package is the relevant boundary for coverage planning; use the label for complete application directions and the appropriate amount.
Full product details
| Brand | Atticus |
|---|---|
| Included Components | One 4-FL OZ Bottle of Vendra II SRX |
| Item Form | Liquid |
| Item Weight | 5.44 ounces |
| Manufacturer | Atticus |
| Additional Information | Important information Directions Always read and follow label instructions. See the label for complete application directions. |
Listed on Amazon as: Atticus Vendra II SRX Fluazifop Herbicide (4oz) Kills Bermudagrass and More
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#6 · Crabgrass Specialist
6. Bayer Acclaim-Extra
- Weight: 1.2 lb
- Form: Liquid
Best for: Crabgrass and Goosegrass in Turf.
Why it ranks #6: Its description specifically identifies post-emergent control of crabgrass and goosegrass in turf, alongside annual and perennial grasses.
Effective post-emergent control of crabgrass and goosegrass is the defining use described for Bayer Acclaim-Extra, making it relevant to turf owners targeting those difficult grass weeds. The product is also described as controlling annual and perennial grasses in turf in a single treatment, with good tolerance on desirable turf plants.
Acclaim-Extra is a selective post-emergence herbicide for annual and perennial grasses in turf, so its stated use is treatment after grass weeds emerge rather than general landscape application. The description specifically names crabgrass and goosegrass and says it works in a single treatment with good tolerance on desirable turf. Its systematic action is also stated, while proper storage away from extreme temperatures and direct sunlight supports the listed three-to-five-year average shelf life.
- Controls annual and perennial grasses in turf
- Description specifically names crabgrass and goosegrass
- Described as working in a single treatment
- Good tolerance on desirable turf is stated
- The listed use is turf, not a range of named garden settings.
Skip it if you need a product explicitly listed for gardens, vegetables, trees, or ornamentals; Hi-Yield Grass Killer names those settings.
This is for turf owners targeting crabgrass, goosegrass, or other annual and perennial grasses with a selective post-emergent treatment. Its stated fit is turf, so gardeners looking for named ornamental or vegetable-bed uses should consider that boundary.
Full product details
| Brand | Bayer |
|---|---|
| Item Form | Liquid |
| Item Weight | 1.2 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Bayer |
| Model Number | 1506 |
Listed on Amazon as: Bayer Acclaim-Extra Selective Grass Herbicide
View on AmazonWhy it ranks #7: Developed for perennial food plots, it controls a broad range of grasses and is described as safe for clover, alfalfa, chicory, and perennial forages.
Compatibility with Whitetail Institute perennial forages, clover, and alfalfa makes Arrest Max particularly relevant to deer-food-plot managers who need grass control without sacrificing those plantings. Its selective formula controls a broad range of annual and perennial grasses, and the directions call for spraying when grasses are actively growing in spring or summer.
The stated compatibility with perennial forages, clover, and alfalfa lets food-plot growers target grass weeds while retaining those listed plantings. Broad control of annual and perennial grasses addresses more than one grass-growth pattern, while the spring-or-summer timing guidance ties application to active growth. Spraying grasses in their early growth stages can eliminate the need for follow-up applications, according to the supplied facts, so timing can shape the treatment workflow.
- Developed specifically for food plots
- Controls a broad range of annual and perennial grasses
- Listed as safe with Whitetail Institute perennial forages
- Compatible with other clover or alfalfa plantings
- The supplied use guidance centers on grasses actively growing in spring or summer.
Skip it if you need a product explicitly listed for vegetables, trees, or ornamentals; Hi-Yield Grass Killer names those settings.
Choose this for a perennial food plot planted with clover, alfalfa, or Whitetail Institute forages, especially when grasses are actively growing. Its stated fit is centered on food-plot plantings, so other landscape settings may call for a product listing those uses.
Full product details
| Brand | Whitetail Institute |
|---|---|
| Included Components | Whitetail Institute Arrest Max Herbicide |
| Item Form | Spray |
| Item Weight | 8 ounces |
| Manufacturer | Whitetail Institute of North America |
| Model Number | AM1P |
| Warranty Description | 1-Year Warranty |
Listed on Amazon as: Whitetail Institute Arrest Max Selective Grass Control Herbicide Specifically Developed for Deer Food Plots, 8 oz
View on AmazonWhy target-plant compatibility can make or break results
The most important failure mode is treating a desirable grass or plant as though every selective grass herbicide protects it. These products are not interchangeable: Ferti-lome Over The Top and Hi-Yield Grass Killer are listed for use around vegetables, gardens, trees, shrubs, and ornamentals, while Syngenta Fusilade II 16 Oz is described for turf and landscaped areas and spot or over-the-top use. Whitetail Institute Arrest Max is specifically intended for food plots and is described as safe for clover, alfalfa, chicory, and perennial forages.
A product’s use around a plant does not establish safety for every species or application condition. Identify the unwanted grass and the desirable plants in the treatment area, then confirm both on the product label.
If the label does not cover your site or plant, choose a product whose directions do.
Concentrate size is not a coverage guarantee
A larger bottle does not by itself tell you how much ground you can treat. Hi-Yield Grass Killer is listed as making 16 gallons of spray solution, while Ferti-lome Over The Top makes 8 gallons; those figures describe prepared spray volume, not a guaranteed treated area. The label’s dilution rate, application method, and treatment-area instructions determine coverage.
The product data also notes that application varies by area and method. This distinction can prevent a common sizing mistake: buying by bottle ounces alone when the mixing rate or delivery approach differs.
Compare the full directions for your intended site, equipment, and target grass before estimating how much concentrate you need. For example, Syngenta Fusilade II 16 Oz includes a stated rate of 0.4–0.6 ounces per 1,000 square feet in its supplied directions, so its rate and label directions should guide calculations rather than bottle size.
How to Choose a Selective Grass Herbicide
Treatment site and protected plants
Start by matching the product’s listed use site and protected plants to your treatment area. Ferti-lome Over The Top and Hi-Yield Grass Killer are listed for use around vegetables, gardens, trees, shrubs, and ornamentals. Syngenta Fusilade II products are described for turf or landscapes, with the 4-ounce listing also naming nurseries and sports fields.
Whitetail Institute Arrest Max is developed for perennial food plots and is described as safe for clover, alfalfa, chicory, and perennial forages. Choose the garden-oriented options when treating around listed garden plants; choose the food-plot formulation for its specified forage setting.
For turf, landscape, nursery, or sports-field use, compare the Fusilade options and verify the exact site and plant on the label.
Target grass and control needs
Look for a product description that matches both the target grass and the setting rather than relying on the word selective alone. Ferti-lome Over The Top is explicitly described as controlling annual and perennial grass weeds; Syngenta Fusilade II 16 Oz also lists control of perennial and annual grasses in turf and landscaped areas. Bayer Acclaim-Extra specifically calls out crabgrass and goosegrass in turf.
Whitetail Institute Arrest Max targets a broad range of annual and perennial grasses in food plots. If those named turf weeds are your priority, Bayer Acclaim-Extra has the most specific stated match.
For a broader garden or landscape target, compare the broader grass-control listings, then confirm the weed species and growth stage are covered by the label.
Concentrate amount and application format
Check the labeled mixing directions and application method before choosing a bottle size. The listed garden concentrates make different amounts: Hi-Yield Grass Killer makes 16 gallons of spray solution, while Ferti-lome Over The Top makes 8 gallons. Syngenta Fusilade II is offered here in 4- and 16-ounce liquid listings; Whitetail Institute Arrest Max is an 8-ounce spray listing, and Atticus Vendra II SRX is a 4-ounce liquid.
These sizes do not establish treated area without the labeled rate. A larger prepared-spray volume may suit someone planning repeated or broader garden use, while the 4-ounce options may suit a smaller purchase or a listed turf-and-landscape use.
Follow the specific product label for dilution and area calculations.
Which Selective Grass Herbicide Should You Choose?
For a broad garden and landscape choice, start with Ferti-lome Over The Top: it covers annual and perennial grass weeds, is listed around several types of desirable plants, and makes 8 gallons of spray. Choose Hi-Yield Grass Killer if the same listed garden settings fit and you prefer its 16-gallon prepared-spray volume. For turf or landscaped areas requiring spot or over-the-top application, consider Syngenta Fusilade II 16 Oz; the 4-ounce version suits buyers comparing a smaller bottle for landscapes, nurseries, or sports fields.
Atticus Vendra II SRX is another 4-ounce fluazifop option. For turf where crabgrass and goosegrass are the named targets, consider Bayer Acclaim-Extra.
Choose Whitetail Institute Arrest Max for its specific perennial food-plot use. Always verify target weeds, protected plants, and directions on the label.
Related Buying Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell whether a grass herbicide is safe for my specific lawn or ornamental plants?
Check the product label before buying or applying it. Confirm that your grass type, ornamental plants, and intended treatment area are listed as eligible, and review any restrictions. Products in this roundup have different stated uses, so do not assume that a herbicide suitable for one landscape or turf setting is safe for another.
When should I apply selective grass herbicide, and will I need a repeat treatment?
Follow the label for application timing, conditions, and any repeat-treatment interval. The listed products are intended for selective grass control, but directions can vary by product and target weed. Identify the grass weed first, then use the product only as directed; do not repeat an application unless the label permits or instructs it.
How should I protect nearby desirable plants and manage treated areas after application?
Use only a product whose label lists the nearby desirable plants and treatment setting, and follow its directions to reduce unintended exposure. For edible crops, check eligible plants and harvest intervals before treating. Keep people, pets, and treated areas managed according to the label’s specific precautions and re-entry instructions.
How do the listed spray volumes compare?
Ferti-lome Over The Top’s 8-ounce concentrate makes 8 gallons of spray solution, while Hi-Yield Grass Killer is listed as making 16 gallons. Compare the label directions and intended setting as well as volume; prepared-spray yield alone does not establish which product is appropriate for your target weeds or plants.
Which option should I consider for crabgrass, goosegrass, or a food plot?
Bayer Acclaim-Extra is the listed option for turf where crabgrass and goosegrass are the named targets. Whitetail Institute Arrest Max is specifically developed for deer food plots. Verify the target weed, site eligibility, and application directions on the product label before choosing or treating.
Final Words
For a broad garden and landscape choice, start with Ferti-lome Over The Top: it targets annual and perennial grass weeds, is listed for use around several types of desirable plants, and makes 8 gallons of spray. Hi-Yield is an alternative if its listed settings fit and you want 16 gallons of prepared spray. For any option, confirm target weeds, eligible plants, and directions on the label before application.


