How Different Grass Types React to Weed Control Treatments
If you’re trying to keep your lawn looking its best in Fort Worth, TX, you already know how stubborn weeds can be. But did you know that not all grass types react the same way to weed control treatments? Choosing the wrong method for your specific grass can damage your lawn, waste your time, and even make the weed problem worse.
In this guide, we’ll break down how common grass types in Fort Worth respond to weed control efforts. Whether you have Bermudagrass, St. Augustine, Zoysia, or Tall Fescue, understanding how your grass reacts to different treatments can make all the difference in maintaining a healthy, weed-free yard.
Why Grass Type Matters
Before diving into weed control treatments, it’s important to understand that each type of grass has its sensitivity to herbicides. What works well on one lawn might harm another. The goal is to control the weeds without damaging your grass in the process. And that starts with knowing your grass.
Common Grass Types in Fort Worth and Their Reactions
1. Bermudagrass
Bermudagrass is one of the most popular choices in North Texas because it handles heat and foot traffic well. It’s a tough grass, but not invincible.
Weed Control Sensitivity:
- Bermudagrass can tolerate many herbicides, which makes weed control easier.
- It’s fairly resistant to damage from products like 2,4-D, MCPP, and dicamba—ingredients commonly found in selective broadleaf herbicides.
Best Practices:
- Apply pre-emergent herbicides in early spring and fall to block annual weeds like crabgrass and poa annua.
- Post-emergent herbicides work well when targeting dandelions and clover during the growing season.
- Make sure your mowing height stays between 1.5–2 inches to reduce weed competition.
What to Watch Out For:
- Don’t apply herbicides during high-stress periods like drought or high heat. Even though grasses need a break sometimes.
2. St. Augustinegrass
St. Augustine is known for its thick blades and shade tolerance, making it great for North Texas neighborhoods with tree cover. But it’s more sensitive than Bermudagrass when it comes to weed control.
Weed Control Sensitivity:
- This grass doesn’t tolerate some common herbicides like 2,4-D very well. These can burn or discolor the turf.
- It’s especially sensitive in hot weather or when the grass is already stressed.
Best Practices:
- Use herbicides labeled as safe for St. Augustinegrass. These often include ones with active ingredients like atrazine.
- Pre-emergent herbicides help with grassy weeds before they appear, but always double-check the label.
- Keep your mowing height between 2.5–4 inches to encourage thicker growth and choke out weeds.
What to Watch Out For:
- Even when using “safe” products, always spot test in a small area first to avoid widespread damage.
3. Zoysiagrass
Zoysiagrass is a favorite for homeowners who want a dense, carpet-like lawn. Its thickness helps naturally block weed growth, but it’s not immune to invaders.
Weed Control Sensitivity:
- Zoysia is more forgiving than St. Augustine but still needs care.
- It responds well to selective herbicides for broadleaf weeds and many pre-emergents.
Best Practices:
- Mow regularly at 1–2 inches. This helps the dense turf outcompete most weeds.
- Use pre-emergents during early spring and fall, especially if you’ve had weed issues before.
- Products with quinclorac are safe for Zoysia and work well on tough weeds like crabgrass.
What to Watch Out For:
- Zoysia doesn’t love high-nitrogen fertilizers paired with herbicides. Space out your treatments by a few weeks.
4. Tall Fescue
Though more common in cooler regions, Tall Fescue lawns are still found in shaded or irrigated areas around Fort Worth. It has a more upright growth pattern and wide blades.
Weed Control Sensitivity:
- Tall Fescue tolerates a wide range of herbicides, including the common 3-way mixes for broadleaf weeds.
- It tends to recover better from weed control stress than St. Augustine, making it more forgiving.
Best Practices:
- Keep mowing height at 2.5–3.5 inches to shade out weed seeds.
- Overseed in the fall to keep your lawn thick and competitive.
- Apply pre-emergents in the fall and spring to stop annual grassy weeds.
What to Watch Out For:
- Be careful not to apply weed control too late in the spring—this cool-season grass starts to struggle when temperatures rise.
Additional Weed Control Tips (No Matter the Grass Type)
- Know Your Weeds: Are you dealing with broadleaf weeds like dandelions or grassy invaders like crabgrass? Identifying them first will help you pick the right product.
- Water Right: Overwatering can promote weed growth. Water deeply but less frequently.
- Stick to a Schedule: Weed control isn’t a one-time thing. Plan on regular maintenance throughout the year.
- Don’t Skip Lawn Care Basics: Healthy grass competes better with weeds. Regular mowing, aeration, and fertilization all play a role in weed prevention.
Common Mistakes That Hurt More Than Help
- Using Non-Selective Herbicides (Like Glyphosate) on Your Lawn: These kill everything, including your grass.
- Applying During Heatwaves: High temperatures stress your lawn. Adding herbicide into the mix can push it over the edge.
- Skipping the Label: Always read herbicide labels. Even if a product claims to be “lawn-safe,” it might not be safe for your specific grass type.
Different grasses need different approaches. What works for a Bermudagrass lawn might seriously damage a St. Augustine yard. That’s why understanding your grass type and its reaction to weed treatments is one of the most important steps you can take toward a better lawn.
When in doubt, call in a local pro who knows the Fort Worth area—and knows how to treat your specific lawn without causing harm.
Need help figuring out the best weed control for your grass type? Call Mow & Grow at (817) 717-2686 today. We know Fort Worth lawns inside and out and can keep your grass green and weed-free all year long.