Selective Herbicide
An herbicide that targets specific types of plants while leaving others unharmed. Broadleaf herbicides are selective — they kill dandelions and clover without harming grass. Selecting the right selective herbicide is critical to avoiding damage to your lawn.
Selective herbicides work because different plant types have different metabolic pathways. Products like 2,4-D exploit biochemical differences between broadleaf plants (dicots) and grasses (monocots).
Always read the label: Selective herbicides are selective for certain plant types, but some grass species are still sensitive. MSMA, for example, can be used on Bermuda and centipede but will damage or kill St. Augustine and centipede in high concentrations.
Rule of thumb: The label of an herbicide product will list exactly which turf types it is safe for. Always verify before applying.
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