Non-Selective Herbicides

Non-selective herbicides are chemicals that are designed to kill or damage all plants that they come into contact with.

By spreading a non-selective herbicide, you are almost guaranteed to wipe out any vegetation (whether broadleaf or grassy weeds) present on the application site with a single spraying.

Non-selective herbicides are especially useful for killing weeds where there shouldn’t be any plants, such as along fence rows, cracks in sidewalks, and driveways. Because they are non-selective, they can be applied liberally rather than carefully with a spot treatment if you want to kill everything in sight.

Non-selective herbicides are very easy to use. Mix the non-selective herbicide in a handheld sprayer with water according to the label. Then, apply it to the targeted plants you want gone, and that's it!

Shop our top recommended non-selective herbicides below. If you need help choosing the right product or would like more information on applying it properly, our experienced lawn care experts will be happy to assist you.

Our Recommendations

Eraser 41% Glyphosate - is a non-selective post-emergent herbicide that provides excellent control of unwanted grassy and broadleaf weeds. Its active ingredient is 41% Glyphosate, which makes it great for spot treatments. It is easy to mix and works quickly.

There is no soil residual, and they are not toxic to humans or wildlife. The severity of the damage depends on the species and the season the product is applied.

Tools Needed

• Pump Sprayer
• Selected Herbicide (Eraser)

PPE

• Chemical Resistant Gloves
• Dust/Mist Mask
• Safety Glasses

How to Use Non-Selective Herbicide

Step 1: Mix up the Eraser 41% Glyphosate

A pump sprayer is the preferred piece of equipment because it will help you get more precise control and avoid as much drift as possible. It’s also wise to label the sprayer as “non-selective” because you don’t want to mix the chemicals in the sprayer with a selective herbicide and potentially burn your yard in the future.

Determine how much Eraser 41% Glyphosate you need by measuring the square footage of the treatment area. To do this, measure the length and width of the treatment area in feet, then multiply them together (length x width = square footage).

For a general treatment, apply 2 1/2 oz. of Eraser 41% Glyphosate with 1 gallon of water to treat 300 sq. ft.

Step 2: Apply the Product

Spray the target area, keeping the sprayer low to the ground and close to the vegetation so it doesn’t drift. Try to spray on a day that is not windy.

If spraying in areas where you want grass, you should be careful when spot-treating. You may have to be creative to avoid the chemical getting on the desired vegetation, such as using a cardboard or some other material to protect the desired plant from the herbicide.

Spray the vegetation until wet but not to the point of runoff, as you do not want the chemical dripping onto non-target plants.

If weeds are growing along cracks, keep your nozzle low and close to the ground and aim in a sweeping motion.

Step 3: Reapply As Needed

Most treated weeds usually show initial symptoms in 2-4 days and complete kill in 1-2 weeks. Hard-to-control weeds may require a second application if not completely dead in 4 weeks. 

Key Takeaways

What is a Non-Selective Herbicide?

• Non-selective herbicides are chemical products designed to kill any targeted plant vegetation on a landscape or property.

Top Recommendation for Non-Selective Herbicide

• Our top recommendation for non-selective weed control is Eraser 41% Herbicide.

Non-Selective Herbicide Considerations

• Non-selective herbicides kill all vegetation, so if you have desired grasses around, you should carefully spot treat or use tools that will help you protect the desired plants from harm.
• Reapply non-selective herbicides as needed when dealing with more persistent weeds.