Non-Selective Herbicide
An herbicide that kills all plants it contacts regardless of species. Non-selective herbicides like glyphosate are used for total vegetation removal, clearing an area for renovation, killing tough perennial weeds, or removing grass before a new lawn installation.
Non-selective herbicides don't distinguish between grass, weeds, flowers, or shrubs, they kill whatever they touch. They are powerful tools for renovation and brush control but must be used carefully to avoid damaging desirable plants.
Common types: Glyphosate (kills plant, not soil, safe to plant 2 weeks later), glufosinate, diquat.
Renovation use: Apply to the entire lawn, wait 2-3 weeks, then re-seed or install sod. The grass must be completely brown before proceeding.
More on Weed Killer
Put this into practice
SimpleLawn is a free iPhone app. Map your lawn, track treatments, and get advice tailored to your yard.
Prefer your computer? Use the web app