{"id":109532,"date":"2024-03-29T16:46:42","date_gmt":"2024-03-29T19:46:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/?p=109532"},"modified":"2026-01-14T17:11:20","modified_gmt":"2026-01-14T20:11:20","slug":"types-of-post-emergent-herbicides","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/types-of-post-emergent-herbicides\/","title":{"rendered":"Post-Emergent Herbicides: Which One for Which Weed?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Got weeds growing in your lawn right now? You need a post-emergent herbicide \u2014 a weed killer that targets weeds that are already visible and actively growing.<\/p>    <p>But walk into any store and you&#8217;ll face dozens of options: sprays, granules, selective, non-selective, contact, systemic&#8230; Which one actually works for your weeds?<\/p>    <p>This guide breaks down the types of post-emergent herbicides in simple terms so you can choose the right weed killer for your lawn.<\/p>    <p><strong>Don&#8217;t want to figure this out?<\/strong> LawnStarter&#8217;s lawn treatment pros know exactly which herbicide kills your specific weeds without harming your grass. We also hand-pull weeds for chemical-free control. <a href=\"https:\/\/signup-web.lawnstarter.com\/cart\/contact-info?intent=fertilization\">Get a free weed control quote<\/a> and let us handle your weed problem.<\/p>   <div class=\"wp-block-ub-table-of-contents-block ub_table-of-contents\" id=\"ub_table-of-contents-40fce6bf-3387-4968-ab82-0c81e560937e\" data-linktodivider=\"false\" data-showtext=\"show\" data-hidetext=\"hide\" data-scrolltype=\"auto\" data-enablesmoothscroll=\"false\" data-initiallyhideonmobile=\"false\" data-initiallyshow=\"true\"><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header\" style=\"text-align: left; \"> \t\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-title\" style=\"\"><\/div> \t\t\t\t \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-extra-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-container ub_table-of-contents-1-column\"> \t\t\t\t<ul style=\"\"><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/types-of-post-emergent-herbicides\/#0-what-is-post-emergent-herbicide\" style=\"\">What is Post-Emergent Herbicide?<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/types-of-post-emergent-herbicides\/#1-quick-guide-how-to-choose-the-right-post-emergent\" style=\"\">Quick Guide: How to Choose the Right Post-Emergent<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/types-of-post-emergent-herbicides\/#2-main-types-of-post-emergent-herbicides\" style=\"\">Main Types of Post-Emergent Herbicides<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/types-of-post-emergent-herbicides\/#6-which-weeds-are-you-fighting\" style=\"\">Which Weeds Are You Fighting?<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/types-of-post-emergent-herbicides\/#7-common-active-ingredients-whats-inside-post-emergents\" style=\"\">Common Active Ingredients (What&#8217;s Inside Post-Emergents)<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/types-of-post-emergent-herbicides\/#8-faq-about-post-emergent-herbicides\" style=\"\">FAQ About Post-Emergent Herbicides<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>   <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes has-medium-font-size\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th><strong>Key takeaways<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>\u2022 <strong>For weeds in your lawn: <\/strong>Use selective herbicides<br>\u2022 <strong>For non-lawn areas: <\/strong>Use non-selective herbicides<br>\u2022 <strong>For a complete kill: <\/strong>Choose systemic herbicides<br>\u2022 <strong>For fast results: <\/strong>Choose contact herbicides<br>\u2022 <strong>Application method: <\/strong>Liquid or granular<br>\u2022 <strong>Best time:<\/strong> Spring and fall<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"0-what-is-post-emergent-herbicide\">What is Post-Emergent Herbicide?<\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"551\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/herbicide-spray-1.jpg\" alt=\"Person wearing protective gloves and gear using a handheld pump sprayer to apply herbicide across a green lawn near dense shrubs.\" class=\"wp-image-127426\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/herbicide-spray-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/herbicide-spray-1-300x207.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/herbicide-spray-1-656x452.jpg 656w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/herbicide-spray-1-150x103.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/herbicide-spray-1-768x529.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Herbicide spray. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shutterstock.com\/image-photo\/weedicide-spray-on-weeds-garden-spraying-1660996885\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Shutterstock<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p><strong>Post-emergent herbicide kills weeds that are already growing in your lawn.<\/strong> These weeds have already sprouted above the soil and are actively growing.<\/p>    <p><strong>Post-emergent vs. pre-emergent herbicide:<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Post-emergent:<\/strong> Use for killing existing weeds you can see growing above the ground.<\/li>    <li><strong>Pre-emergent<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-apply-pre-emergent-herbicide\/\">Apply pre-emergent herbicides<\/a> before weeds appear to prevent weed seeds from sprouting.<\/li> <\/ul>    <p><strong>When to use post-emergent:<\/strong> Spring and fall, when weeds are young and actively growing. Note that young weeds are easier to kill than mature, established weeds.<\/p>    <p><strong>See Related:<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-get-rid-of-weeds-in-grass\/\">How to Get Rid of Weeds in Grass<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-get-rid-of-weeds-in-flower-beds\/\">How to Get Rid of Weeds in Flower Beds<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1-quick-guide-how-to-choose-the-right-post-emergent\">Quick Guide: How to Choose the Right Post-Emergent<\/h2>    <p>With numerous types, brands, and variations of herbicides available, determining which weed killer to use can be a time-consuming process.<\/p>    <p>Here\u2019s a quick guide to help you figure out which post-emergent herbicide to use, depending on your situation:<\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Your Situation<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Type You Need<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Examples<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Kill weeds in the lawn without harming the grass<\/td><td>Selective<\/td><td>Most lawn weed killers (Ortho Weed B-Gon, Spectracide)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Kill everything (driveway, patio, fence line)<\/td><td>Non-selective<\/td><td>Roundup Weed &amp; Grass Killer, Spectracide Weed &amp; Grass Killer Concentrate<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Kill <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-get-rid-of-dandelions\/\">dandelions<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-get-rid-clover-not-kill-grass\/\">clover<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-get-rid-chickweed\/\">chickweed<\/a><\/td><td>Selective broadleaf weed killer<\/td><td>2,4-D products, Gordon\u2019s SpeedZone Lawn Weed Killer<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Kill <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-get-rid-of-crabgrass\/\">crabgrass<\/a> in the lawn<\/td><td>Selective crabgrass killer<\/td><td>Quinclorac products, Drive XLR8<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Fast, visible results (within hours)<\/td><td>Contact<\/td><td>Liquid formulas with pelargonic acid<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Complete kill, including roots (willing to wait 7 to 14 days)<\/td><td>Systemic<\/td><td>Most products with 2,4-D, dicamba<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <p><strong><em>Pro Tip:<\/em><\/strong><em> <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-care-for-st-augustine-grass\/\"><em>St. Augustinegrass<\/em><\/a><em> and <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/centipedegrass-lawn-maintenance-guide\/\"><em>centipedegrass<\/em><\/a><em> are sensitive to many herbicides. So, always check the product label to ensure it\u2019s safe for your grass.<\/em><\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2-main-types-of-post-emergent-herbicides\">Main Types of Post-Emergent Herbicides<\/h2>    <p>With 6 major types of post-emergent herbicides available, you have several options for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/guide-weed-control-yard\/\">weed control in your yard<\/a>. To help you choose the best herbicide for your needs, I will provide more information about each one and its specific uses.<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3-systemic-vs-contact-post-emergent-herbicides\">Systemic vs. Contact Post-Emergent Herbicides<\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"1067\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Herbicide-Illustration-LS-1.png\" alt=\"Illustration comparing contact and systemic herbicides, showing spray effects on weed leaves and roots, highlighting surface damage versus internal plant kill.\" class=\"wp-image-74490\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Herbicide-Illustration-LS-1.png 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Herbicide-Illustration-LS-1-225x300.png 225w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Herbicide-Illustration-LS-1-646x862.png 646w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Herbicide-Illustration-LS-1-112x150.png 112w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Herbicide-Illustration-LS-1-768x1024.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Infographic by Juan Rodriguez<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p>The main difference between them is how deeply they kill weeds.<\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Key Factors<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Systemic (most common)<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Contact (less common)<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>How it works<\/strong><\/td><td>Travels to the roots, killing the above-ground foliage <em>and<\/em> the root system<\/td><td>Kills only the parts of the plant it touches; the weed dies quickly, but roots may survive<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>How fast it works<\/strong><\/td><td>Takes 3-14 days to see results<\/td><td>Works rapidly, with visible damage within hours to 2 days<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Weeds it kills<\/strong><\/td><td>Dandelions, clover, crabgrass, plantain, chickweed, wild violet<\/td><td>Young annual weeds, spurge, foxtail, purslane<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Examples<\/strong><\/td><td>Glyphosate<\/td><td>Scythe (pelargonic acid)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <p><strong>Note:<\/strong> While pelargonic acid is an organic compound, not all products made with it are organic (certified by the Organic Materials Review Institute) as well. So, if you want an organic post-emergent herbicide, check out our article: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/natural-weed-killers-a-guide-to-organic-herbicides\/\">Organic Herbicides: A Comprehensive Guide<\/a>.<\/p>    <p><strong><em>Pro Tip:<\/em><\/strong><em> Most homeowners use systemic herbicides because they kill weeds completely. Contact herbicides work faster but often require multiple applications.<\/em><\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"4-selective-vs-non-selective-post-emergent-herbicides\">Selective vs. Non-Selective Post-Emergent Herbicides<\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/herbicides.jpeg\" alt=\"A man is spraying weed killer herbicide on green grass.\" class=\"wp-image-138629\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/herbicides.jpeg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/herbicides-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/herbicides-656x438.jpeg 656w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/herbicides-150x100.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/herbicides-768x513.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Post-emergent herbicide spray. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/man-spraying-weed-killer-herbicide-on-green-grass-residential-yard-landscaper-using-pump-chemical-pesticide-sprayer-for-lawn-weed-control\/1393394499\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Scott Habermann<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p>Choosing between a selective and non-selective post-emergent will depend on whether you\u2019re killing weeds in your lawn or clearing large weed-infested areas.<\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Key Factors<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Selective<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Non-Selective<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>How it works<\/strong><\/td><td>Kills specific weed species <em>without harming other, non-target plants<\/em><\/td><td>Kills <em>all plants<\/em> it comes into contact with<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Effectiveness<\/strong><\/td><td>Requires multiple applications for best results<\/td><td>Can kill weeds in as little as one application<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Cost<\/strong><\/td><td>More expensive than non-selective<\/td><td>More cost-effective, especially for large-scale weed removal<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Best for<\/strong><\/td><td>Targeted weed control in lawns<\/td><td>Clearing large areas or removing weeds in driveways and patios<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Examples<\/strong><\/td><td>Ortho Weed B-Gon, Drive XLR8<\/td><td>Compare-N-Save Concentrate<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <p><strong><em>Pro Tip:<\/em><\/strong><em> Not all grass types can tolerate selective herbicides. So, check the label to ensure it\u2019s safe for your type of grass.<\/em><\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"5-granular-vs-liquid-post-emergent-herbicides\">Granular vs. Liquid Post-Emergent Herbicides<\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/granular-herbicide-1.jpeg\" alt=\"Two clear bags filled with granular herbicide sitting on green grass beside a lawn spreader ready for applying post emergent treatment.\" class=\"wp-image-121631\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/granular-herbicide-1.jpeg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/granular-herbicide-1-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/granular-herbicide-1-150x100.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/granular-herbicide-1-768x512.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Granular herbicide bags. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/bags-of-lawn-fertilizer-and-herbicide-with-broadcast-spreader-in-yard-with-healthy-grass-lawn-care-weed-control-and-landscaping-concept\/799145291?asset_id=799145291\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">JJ Gouin<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p>While granular post-emergents typically have a longer shelf life, liquid post-emergents are more popular among homeowners and pros.<\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Key Factors<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Granular<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Liquid<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Application method<\/strong><\/td><td>Applied using a lawn spreader<\/td><td>Applied using a sprayer<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>How fast it works<\/strong><\/td><td>Slower than liquid, as it requires moisture to activate<\/td><td>Absorbed quickly, showing faster results<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Precision<\/strong><\/td><td>Harder to control distribution, leading to uneven application<\/td><td>Targeted spot treatment minimizes impact on surrounding plants<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Best for<\/strong><\/td><td>Large lawns with widespread weed problems; weed and feed<\/td><td>Spot treatments (targeted coverage)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Examples<\/strong><\/td><td>Scotts Turf Builder Weed &amp; Feed<\/td><td>Roundup Ready-to-Use, Spectracide Weed Stop<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <p><strong><em>Pro Tip:<\/em><\/strong><em> Most pros prefer liquid post-emergents because they work faster and allow precise targeting of specific weeds.<\/em><\/p>    <p><strong>See Related:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-choose-the-right-lawn-spreader\/\">How to Choose The Right Lawn Spreader<\/a>&nbsp;<\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"6-which-weeds-are-you-fighting\">Which Weeds Are You Fighting?<\/h2>   <div style=\"min-height: 535px;; \" class=\"ub_image_slider swiper-container wp-block-ub-image-slider\" id=\"ub_image_slider_38127864-d9b8-4282-a5bf-a9c38694df5c\" data-swiper-data='{\"speed\":300,\"spaceBetween\":20,\"slidesPerView\":1,\"loop\":true,\"pagination\":{\"el\": \".swiper-pagination\" , \"type\": \"bullets\", \"clickable\":true},\"navigation\": {\"nextEl\": \".swiper-button-next\", \"prevEl\": \".swiper-button-prev\"}, \"keyboard\": { \"enabled\": true }, \"effect\": \"slide\",\"simulateTouch\":false}'>             <div class=\"swiper-wrapper\"><figure class=\"swiper-slide\">                 <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/dandelion.jpg\" alt=\"Blooming yellow dandelions in green grass\" style=\"height: 500px;; \">                 <figcaption class=\"ub_image_slider_image_caption\">Dandelion. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/blooming-yellow-dandelions-in-the-green-grass\/117855224\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">tomeyk<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock Free \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/license-terms\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">License<\/a><\/figcaption>             <\/figure><figure class=\"swiper-slide\">                 <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Untitled-design-8.jpg\" alt=\"White clover creeping (Trifolium repens) flowers\" style=\"height: 500px;; \">                 <figcaption class=\"ub_image_slider_image_caption\">White clover. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/white-clover-creeping-trifolium-repens\/234159503\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">orestligetka<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock Free \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/license-terms\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">License<\/a><\/figcaption>             <\/figure><figure class=\"swiper-slide\">                 <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/redseed-plantains-1.jpg\" alt=\"Broadleaf plantain with tall flowering stalks and wide leaves growing in compacted, poorly drained soil.\" style=\"height: 500px;; \">                 <figcaption class=\"ub_image_slider_image_caption\">Plantain Weeds. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Plantago_rhodosperma_122423892.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Human Bean<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/4.0\/deed.en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY 4.0<\/a><\/figcaption>             <\/figure><figure class=\"swiper-slide\">                 <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/chickweed.jpg\" alt=\"Close-up of green chickweed (Stellaria media) ground cover with small white star-shaped flowers and lush foliage in natural setting\" style=\"height: 500px;; \">                 <figcaption class=\"ub_image_slider_image_caption\">Chickweed. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/chickweed-scient-name-stellaria-media-plant\/573289017\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Claudio Divizia<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption>             <\/figure><figure class=\"swiper-slide\">                 <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/4532799305_4db6805744_c-1.jpg\" alt=\"Purple wildflowers with tubular blooms rising above rounded leaves in a soft sunlit meadow, creating a delicate springtime scene in nature\" style=\"height: 500px;; \">                 <figcaption class=\"ub_image_slider_image_caption\">Henbit. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/8106459@N07\/4532799305\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">David~O<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/2.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption>             <\/figure><figure class=\"swiper-slide\">                 <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/12508452_72c2b4b36b_c-1.jpg\" alt=\"carpet of wild violets\" style=\"height: 500px;; \">                 <figcaption class=\"ub_image_slider_image_caption\">Wild Violet. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/calliope\/12508452\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">liz west<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/2.0\/deed.en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption>             <\/figure><figure class=\"swiper-slide\">                 <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/Spurge.jpeg\" alt=\"Tiny spurge flowers nestled among green stems and small oval leaves.\" style=\"height: 500px;; \">                 <figcaption class=\"ub_image_slider_image_caption\">Spurge. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/pictures-of-wild-plants-medicinal-flowers-photos-of-spurge-flowers\/1366401484\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">akif<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption>             <\/figure><figure class=\"swiper-slide\">                 <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/18654293279_29de3fea46_c-1.jpg\" alt=\"Close-up of crabgrass weed with long, narrow green leaves spreading across a lawn.\" style=\"height: 500px;; \">                 <figcaption class=\"ub_image_slider_image_caption\">Crabgrass. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/nys-ipm\/18654293279\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">New York State IPM Program at Cornell University<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/2.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption>             <\/figure><figure class=\"swiper-slide\">                 <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Yellow-Foxtail-Setaria-Pumila.jpg\" alt=\"Yellow foxtails mixed with grass\" style=\"height: 500px;; \">                 <figcaption class=\"ub_image_slider_image_caption\">Foxtail. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:20140920Setaria_pumila3.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">AnRo0002<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/publicdomain\/zero\/1.0\/deed.en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC0 1.0<\/a><\/figcaption>             <\/figure><figure class=\"swiper-slide\">                 <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/goosegrass.jpg\" alt=\"Close up view of dense goosegrass growing in bright sunlight with thick green blades forming a weedy patch beneath tall leafy trees.\" style=\"height: 500px;; \">                 <figcaption class=\"ub_image_slider_image_caption\">Goosegrass. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/goosegrass-a-species-of-goosegrasses-its-botanical-name-is-eleusine-indica\/878689385\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Antonios<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption>             <\/figure><figure class=\"swiper-slide\">                 <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Annual-bluegrass.jpg\" alt=\"Patchy clumps of bright annual bluegrass growing among darker turf, showing lighter color and finer texture compared to surrounding lawn grass.\" style=\"height: 500px;; \">                 <figcaption class=\"ub_image_slider_image_caption\">Annual bluegrass. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/a-troublesome-annual-bluegrass-light-green-in-color-called-poa-trivialis\/214000719\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Stephen VanHorn<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption>             <\/figure><figure class=\"swiper-slide\">                 <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Dandelions-with-deep-taproots.jpg\" alt=\"Freshly pulled dandelion plant with long brown taproot, jagged green leaves, and bright yellow flowers displayed clearly on a light wooden surface.\" style=\"height: 500px;; \">                 <figcaption class=\"ub_image_slider_image_caption\">Dandelion with taproot. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/young-fresh-dandelion-roots-on-a-wooden-background\/349919698\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ekramar<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption>             <\/figure><figure class=\"swiper-slide\">                 <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/ground-ivy.jpg\" alt=\"close up of ground ivy with small purple flowers\" style=\"height: 500px;; \">                 <figcaption class=\"ub_image_slider_image_caption\">Ground Ivy. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/ground-ivy-glechoma-hederacea-growing-against-a-stone-wall-in-ivy-creek-natural-area-in-central-virginia\/288943434\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Gerry<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption>             <\/figure><figure class=\"swiper-slide\">                 <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Field_Bindweed_Convolvulus_arvensis_24270675111.jpg\" alt=\"close up of bindweed flower\" style=\"height: 500px;; \">                 <figcaption class=\"ub_image_slider_image_caption\">Bindweed. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Field_Bindweed_%28Convolvulus_arvensis%29_%2824270675111%29.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Peter O&#8217;Connor aka anemoneprojectors from Stevenage, United Kingdom<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/2.0\/deed.en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption>             <\/figure><\/div>             <div class=\"swiper-pagination\"><\/div>             <div class=\"swiper-button-prev\"><\/div> <div class=\"swiper-button-next\"><\/div>         <\/div>   <p><strong>Match your weed to the right herbicide:<\/strong><\/p>    <p><strong>Broadleaf weeds<\/strong> (use a selective broadleaf killer):<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Dandelions<\/li>    <li>Clover (white, red)<\/li>    <li>Plantain<\/li>    <li>Chickweed<\/li>    <li>Henbit<\/li>    <li>Wild violet<\/li>    <li>Spurge<\/li> <\/ul>    <p><strong>Grassy weeds<\/strong> (use selective grass killer):<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Crabgrass<\/li>    <li>Foxtail<\/li>    <li>Goosegrass<\/li>    <li>Annual bluegrass (Poa annua)<\/li> <\/ul>    <p><strong>Tough perennials<\/strong> (use systemic herbicide, may need multiple applications):<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Dandelions with deep taproots<\/li>    <li>Wild violet<\/li>    <li>Ground ivy (creeping Charlie)<\/li>    <li>Bindweed<\/li> <\/ul>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"7-common-active-ingredients-whats-inside-post-emergents\">Common Active Ingredients (What&#8217;s Inside Post-Emergents)<\/h2>    <p>You&#8217;ll see these chemicals commonly used in post-emergent weed killers:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>2,4-D<\/strong>: Kills dandelions, clover, plantain (most common)<\/li>    <li><strong>Dicamba<\/strong>: Kills tough broadleaf weeds<\/li>    <li><strong>MCPP (mecoprop)<\/strong>: Kills chickweed, clover<\/li>    <li><strong>Triclopyr<\/strong>: Kills difficult weeds like wild violet<\/li>    <li><strong>Quinclorac<\/strong>: Kills crabgrass without harming most lawn grasses<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Glyphosate<\/strong>: Non-selective, kills all plants<\/li>    <li><strong>Glufosinate<\/strong>: Non-selective, faster than glyphosate<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Pelargonic acid<\/strong>: Fast-acting contact killer, burns weeds<\/li>    <li><strong>Acetic acid (vinegar)<\/strong>: Contact killer for annual weeds<\/li> <\/ul>    <p><strong>Read Next:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/applying-post-emergent-herbicides-to-your-lawn\/\">Applying Post-Emergent Herbicides to Your Lawn<\/a><\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"8-faq-about-post-emergent-herbicides\">FAQ About Post-Emergent Herbicides<\/h2>    <div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1764052551507\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Can I Use Post-Emergent Herbicides on New Grass?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">No, the chemicals may be too strong for the young grass. Wait until after the third or fourth mow, or as long as an entire growing season, before applying any weed killer.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1764052558062\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">How Long Does it Take for a Post-Emergent Herbicide to Show Results?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">It depends on the herbicide. For example, contact post-emergents can take as little as a few hours to show results, while systemic post-emergents can take a few days to 2 weeks before you see results.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1764052563111\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Can Vinegar Kill Weeds?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Yes, <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/does-vinegar-kill-weeds\/\">vinegar can kill weeds<\/a>. Vinegar with 5% acetic acid can kill young weeds, while 20% acetic acid can kill even established plants.\u00a0<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1764052570161\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Are Post-Emergent Herbicides Safe for Pets?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">No, post-emergent herbicides are not safe for pets if used improperly. Keep your pets away from treated areas for a day or two or until fully dry. As always, follow the instructions on the label to keep your pets safe. If in doubt, extend the time you keep pets off the lawn after application or use pet-safe organic herbicides.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"9-let-lawnstarter-handle-your-weeds\">Let LawnStarter Handle Your Weeds<\/h2>    <p>Choosing the right post-emergent herbicide means identifying your weeds, knowing your grass type, understanding product labels, timing application correctly, and applying safely. <strong>Miss any of these, and you might kill your grass or waste money on products that don&#8217;t work.<\/strong><\/p>    <p><strong>LawnStarter&#8217;s lawn treatment pros:<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Identify your specific weeds<\/li>    <li>Use professional-grade herbicides<\/li>    <li>Hand-pull weeds for chemical-free control<\/li>    <li>Guarantee results<\/li> <\/ul>    <p>Skip the guesswork and let the pros handle your weed problem.<\/p>    <p><a href=\"https:\/\/signup-web.lawnstarter.com\/cart\/contact-info?intent=fertilization\">Get a free quote for weed control \u2192<\/a><\/p>   <div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle wp-block-ub-content-toggle-block\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-block-9de322ea-4fac-4722-9da5-fe013cf76f71\" data-mobilecollapse=\"false\" data-desktopcollapse=\"true\" data-preventcollapse=\"false\" data-showonlyone=\"true\"> <div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion\" style=\"border-color: #f1f1f1; \" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-block-\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title-wrap\" style=\"background-color: #f1f1f1;\" aria-controls=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-0-9de322ea-4fac-4722-9da5-fe013cf76f71\" tabindex=\"0\"> \t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title ub-content-toggle-title-9de322ea-4fac-4722-9da5-fe013cf76f71\" style=\"color: #000000; \"><strong>Sources:<\/strong><\/p> \t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-toggle-wrap right\" style=\"color: #000000;\"><span class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-state-indicator wp-block-ub-chevron-down\"><\/span><\/div> \t\t<\/div> \t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-content-wrap ub-hide\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-0-9de322ea-4fac-4722-9da5-fe013cf76f71\">  <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/passel2.unl.edu\/view\/lesson\/c5acc4095d02\/7\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Translocation of Foliar-Applied Herbicides<\/a>.\u201d<strong> <\/strong>Plant &amp; Soil Sciences eLibrary, University of Nebraska-Lincoln.<\/li>    <li>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/extension.uga.edu\/publications\/detail.html?number=B978&amp;title=weed-control-in-home-lawns\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Weed Control in Home Lawns<\/a>.\u201d University of Georgia Extension.<\/li>    <li>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/ipm.ucanr.edu\/m\/pn7441-7.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Weed Management in Landscapes<\/a>.\u201d University of California Integrated Pest Management.<\/li>    <li>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/nwdistrict.ifas.ufl.edu\/hort\/2022\/05\/12\/you-only-need-four-post-emergent-herbicides\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">You Only Need Four Post-Emergent Herbicides<\/a>.\u201d By Daniel Leonard, county Extension director. University of Florida IFAS Extension.<\/li> <\/ul>  <\/div> \t\t<\/div> <\/div>   <p>Main Image: Post emergent herbicide being sprayed on green lawn. Image Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/worker-spraying-pesticide-onto-green-lawn-outdoors-closeup-pest-control\/369590959\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">New Africa<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Don&#8217;t know which post-emergent herbicide to use? Find out which one is effective for the weed you want to eliminate.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":131,"featured_media":129269,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[28],"tags":[12],"class_list":["post-109532","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-lawn-care-2","tag-weed-control"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/spray-lawn.jpeg?wsr","author_info":{"display_name":"Melanie Joseph","author_link":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/author\/melanie-josephlawnstarter-com\/"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Post-Emergent Herbicides: Which One for Which Weed?<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Don&#039;t know which post-emergent herbicide to use? 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