Grassy Weeds in Shrubs & Groundcovers

Grassy weeds are a common and serious nuisance in the landscape. A common concern is grassy weeds that infest into groundcover and shrubs areas. In such situations, the use of nonselective herbicides may not be an option and hand-pulling becomes a daily chore.
weeds in plant beds, weeds in groundcover
Torpedograss infesting Asiatic Jasmine
Thankfully, there are selective herbicide solutions for grassy weeds infesting non-grass groundcovers and shrubs areas! Before we go on, we must remind you that before using any pesticides, please read the label in its entirety and follow its directions strictly.​ In addition, any products mentioned in this article are not endorsed by EPLS, Inc. and are used as examples only.
Before we dive into management options for grassy weeds in shrubs and groundcovers, we would like to define grassy weeds for the purpose of this discussion. Grassy weeds are defined as weeds that in the grass family. Commonly-observed grassy weeds include Bermudagrass, Crabgrass, Torpedograss, and Alexandergrass. Please note that Nutsedge is not a grassy weed! Likewise, broadleaf weeds are not considered grassy weeds.
DO NOT USE ANY PRODUCTS LABELED FOR SELECTIVE GRASS MANAGEMENT IN YOUR LAWN, UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED ON THE LABEL
When grassy weeds management efforts such as hand-pulling do not achieve satisfactory results, consider using selective herbicides with the active ingredients Fluazifop or Sethoxydim for management of grassy weeds listed on the product label. Depending on the time of year, air temperature and humidity, the addition of crop oil concentrate may be required. Please note that treatment rates and use sites differ depending on the product used, so carefully read and follow the label in its entirety.
A quick internet search for the active ingredients Fluazifop and Sethoxydim yields many product brands. While the active ingredients are the same among these products, the percentage of active ingredient may be different and inactive ingredients (not spelled-out on the label) may be different. Whichever product you choose, please follow the instructions on that product's label. Before applying the product, it is important to correctly identify the grassy weed that you would like to control as well as the shrub or groundcover that the grassy weed is infesting. Make sure that both are listed on the label.