Win the War on Weeds - And Protect Your Plants

Weeds in a lush, green lawn can feel like uninvited guests crashing a backyard barbecue — and dealing with them is tricky, especially when desirable trees, shrubs or flowering perennials are trying to get established. Many homeowners hesitate to apply both quick- and slow-release herbicides, worried that drift or runoff could scorch tender foliage or stunt new root systems. Fortunately, with a mix of thoughtful landscaping, smart herbicide choices, and a few simple practices, it’s possible to keep turf clear of weeds without collateral damage to the plants intended to enhance the yard’s beauty. Let's take a look at our options.

1. Create physical buffer zones

Think of buffer zones as “no-spray” safety nets. Even narrow strips can shield vulnerable roots from drift or surface runoff.

• Non-vegetative borders: Gravel, mulch or decorative stone edges 4 – 6 inches wide help contain granules and reduce splash-up during watering or rainfall.

  
  

• Mown buffer: Maintain grass at a slightly higher height (¼–½ inch taller) in the last few feet adjacent to beds. Taller turf traps more droplets and slows runoff flow.

  
  

• Edging tools: A half-moon edger can cut a shallow trench between turf and planting beds, forming a physical barrier against both spray and subterranean movement.

  
  

• Recommended distances:

  • Granular herbicides: Leave at least a 6‑inch untreated buffer between spread areas and the dripline of shrubs, trees or ornamental plantings.

  • Liquid herbicides: Apply sprays no closer than 2–3 feet from desirable plant foliage, extending to 4–5 feet on windy or sloped sites to reduce drift and runoff risk.

2. Choose herbicide-tolerant “guard” plants

When establishing borders or new plantings, select species known to tolerate common turf herbicides.

• Grasses: Fine fescues and certain tall fescues often resist broadleaf herbicides better than Kentucky bluegrass — ideal for a border where broadleaf weed killers will be applied.

  
  

• Shrubs & perennials: Many yew, juniper and sedge varieties exhibit natural tolerance to spot-applied glyphosate when used correctly. Always verify tolerance before planting.

  
  

• Groundcovers: Low-growing mats such as ajuga (bugleweed) and creeping juniper both suppress weeds naturally and survive selective herbicide applications.

3. Match herbicide type to the job

Not all herbicides pose equal risk and choosing the right mode of action and timing is half the battle.

• Pre-emergent products (e.g., prodiamine, dithiopyr)

  • Timing: Early spring, before weed seeds germinate.

  • Benefit: They create a soil barrier with minimal drift potential, protecting distant plantings.

    
    

• Selective post-emergents (e.g., 2,4-D blends, triclopyr)

  • Timing: During active broadleaf weed growth.

  • Tip: Apply on calm mornings using low-drift nozzles or shielded sprayers to minimize off-target exposure.

    
    

• Non-selective spot-treatments (glyphosate)

  • Use: Isolated weeds in cracks or small patches.

  • Method: A shielded wand or paint-on gel delivers product directly to foliage, virtually eliminating drift.

4. Apply with surgical precision

Even the gentlest herbicide can wreak havoc if applied carelessly.

• Spot-treat, don’t blanket-spray: Only target visible weed patches.

  
  

• Calibrate equipment: Verify output (gallons per acre) to avoid over-application.

  
  

• Watch the weather: Avoid spraying within 24 hours of rain forecasts to prevent runoff into root zones.

  
  

• Clean gear: Rinse sprayers immediately after use to prevent accidental contamination.

5. Lean on cultural controls

Some of the best weed defenses require zero chemicals and pose no risk to ornamentals.

• Mowing height: If weeds are present, keep turf at 3 – 3½ inches. Taller grass shades emerging weed seedlings.

  
  

• Soil health: A bi-annual soil test guides lime and fertilizer applications. This ensures your lawn has the nutrients it needs to vigorously grow and outcompete weeds.

  
  

• Manual removal: Regular hand-weeding, aeration and dethatching reduce weed seed reservoirs without touching nearby shrubs.

Final thoughts

By combining strategic edges, tolerant plant selections, precise herbicide choices and solid turf-care fundamentals, it’s entirely possible to win the war on weeds and still protect your lawns plants — no accidental burn or wilted leaves required.