Foxtail is a common turf weed that thrives in sunlit lawns and can be difficult to control once it has emerged. The following post-emergent herbicides are formulated to target foxtail and other broadleaf and grassy weeds in turf, offering a mix of rapid uptake, safety for common lawn types, and residual effects. This guide compares options across brands, active ingredients, and usage features to help select the right product for lawn care routines and turf maintenance.
| Product | Brand | Active Focus | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| BASF Drive XLR8 Crabgrass Killer | BASF | Quinclorac, broad-spectrum control | Water-based formulation; up to 30 days residual; fast rainfast |
| Recognition Post-Emergent Herbicide | Syngenta | Broad-spectrum post-emergent control | Excellent turf safety on various grasses; versatile tank-mix options |
| Nufarm Triplet SF | Nufarm | Selective broadleaf control | Flexible application rates for tough areas |
| Atticus Torocity Herbicide | Atticus | Mesotrione-based pre/post control | Timing forgiveness; broad-spectrum weed control |
| Syngenta Tenacity | Syngenta | Mesotrione-based pre/post control | Effective during seeding; controls many broadleaf and grassy weeds |
BASF Drive XLR8 Crabgrass Killer for Lawn & Turf
BASF Drive XLR8 targets a broad spectrum of grassy and broadleaf weeds in turf. Its water-based formulation supports rapid plant uptake and effective control, with up to 30 days of residual activity. The product is designed to be fast-acting, with rainfast performance in under an hour, helping reduce regrowth after rainfall. This makes it suitable for lawns dealing with foxtail, crabgrass, and other common turf invaders while maintaining turf safety in typical home lawn settings.
Recognition Post-Emergent Herbicide
Recognition offers strong post-emergent weed control with a focus on turf safety. It provides effective selective control of grasses and broadleaf weeds at labeled rates, including sedges and several common lawn weeds. The formulation is designed to work well across a range of turf types, including St. Augustinegrass and zoysiagrass, with safeners helping reduce injury to desirable grasses. It also pairs well in tank mixes for enhanced control of tough weeds such as dollarweed and Florida pusley when used per label directions.
Nufarm Triplet SF
Triplet SF combines three selective herbicides to deliver broadleaf weed control with flexibility for turf managers and homeowners. It is designed to treat a variety of broadleaf species and can be applied at different rates to adapt to problem areas. The product emphasizes versatility in application rates, enabling higher rates for stubborn patches and lower rates for routine turf maintenance, which can help manage foxtail alongside other weeds in a single treatment plan.
Atticus Torocity Herbicide
Torocity combines mesotrione with flexible timing for pre- and post-emergent weed control. This dual-action approach provides a wider window to prevent new weeds and knock down existing ones, including crabgrass and clover. The product supports broad-spectrum weed suppression while aiming to minimize damage to desired turf species, making it a practical option for lawns transitioning from newly seeded patches to established turf.
Syngenta Tenacity Herbicide
Tenacity combines pre- and post-emergent control with mesotrione as the active ingredient. It is widely recognized for enabling seeding and overseeding while controlling weeds such as crabgrass, clover, dandelion, and yellow foxtail. This flexibility makes Tenacity suitable for renovations and ongoing lawn maintenance, especially in lawns that include newly seeded areas or areas prone to weed influx.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations
- Active Ingredient and weed spectrum: Choose products whose active ingredients (such as mesotrione or quinclorac) align with the specific foxtail and other weeds present in your lawn. Consider whether you need broad-spectrum control or selective action to protect desirable turf.
- Pre- vs. post-emergent capability: For foxtail elimination, post-emergent efficacy is essential, but products that offer both pre- and post-emergent action provide flexibility for ongoing prevention and treatment during seeding or renovation.
- Turf safety and site conditions: Check compatibility with your grass type (Zoysia, St. Augustine, Bermuda, Fescue, etc.) and site conditions. Some formulations emphasize safety on particular grasses or include safeners to reduce injury risk.
- Application timing and rates: Consider a product with adjustable application rates, enabling targeted treatment of problem areas and reductions in chemical use for routine maintenance.
- Residual control and rainfastness: Longer residual control can reduce the frequency of applications, but consider rainfall patterns and irrigation requirements to ensure the product remains effective after rainfall.
- Tank-mix compatibility: Some products are designed to work well in tank with other herbicides for broader weed control, provided label directions are followed.
- Regulatory and local guidelines: Verify label restrictions for your state or locality, including any California-specific notes or turf-type restrictions.
When selecting a post-emergent herbicide for foxtail, balance efficacy, turf safety, and application practicality. The products listed here provide a range of active ingredients and usage considerations to fit various lawn care strategies, from maintenance to renovation projects.