2/18/2026 - By Dr. Paul Giordano

Controlling weeds in naturalized areas on a golf course can be a challenge. Many native areas consist of a variety of grass species, which compounds the challenge, since careful consideration must be exercised when choosing herbicides. In northern climates, fine and tall fescue, broomsedge and bluestem are popular choices while in southern and arid geographies lovegrass, blue grama, buffalograss and muhly grass are prevalent. To maintain your naturalized areas successfully, BASF and Harrell’s offer a superior lineup of herbicides that control a variety of weeds, both preemergent and postemergent. Your naturalized areas will look healthy, weed-free, and eye-catching year-round.

Always consult the label to determine if the herbicide can be safely used on these grasses. One of the challenges is that many native grasses are not listed on herbicide labels. It is suggested that small areas should be tested before making large-scale applications. Research shows that preemergents and postemergent broadleaf herbicides are found to be safe on most native grass species.

Putting together a plan of attack is crucial in maintaining those areas and allowing them to complement the golf course and not take away from the aesthetics. Many superintendents may be of the opinion that since these areas are out-of-the-way locations that maintenance practices can be at a minimum. While maintenance can be reduced, a weed control plan is paramount. Our suggestion is to target these areas three times per year.

Pendulum ® Aquacap Applied In the Spring and Fall for Preemergent Control

Pendulum® AquaCap herbicide provides preemergent control of grassy and broadleaf weeds in native grass and wildflower stands. Applied in the spring and fall of the year prior to weed germination, Pendulum® AquaCap will control crabgrass, johnsongrass (from seed), foxtail, fall panicum and many other grassy weeds. It also controls numerous broadleaf weeds such as lambsquarter and spurge.

Basagran® T&O, A Trusted Performer That Keeps Nutsedge at Bay

Basagran® T&O herbicide delivers reliable, postemergent control of yellow nutsedge and annual sedges. It also controls several troublesome broadleaf weeds, including Canada and musk thistle, ragweed, wild mustard, dayflower and more. Make applications during the summer when weeds are present. The addition of MSO or COC is recommended for best results.

Drive® XLR8 is a Quick, Effective, Rainfast Herbicide

Drive® XLR8 herbicide is a proprietary, water-based formulation that provides superior control of numerous grassy and broadleaf weeds in native areas. Rainfast in less than one hour, it delivers fast, effective control of crabgrass, barnyardgrass, foxtail, clover and more. Apply in mid-summer when weeds are present. The addition of MSO or COC is recommended for best results.

Pylex® - The Standard for Control of Goosegrass and Other Grassy Weeds

Pylex® herbicide delivers unmatched, postemergent control of difficult grassy weeds like goosegrass and bermudagrass. It also provides excellent control of nimblewill, crabgrass, foxtail, ragweed, thistle and other weeds that can overtake native grass areas. Use during the summer months when listed weeds are active. The addition of MSO or COC is recommended for best results.

Segment® II Provides Postemergent Control of Grassy Weeds

Segment® II herbicide is an excellent choice for postemergent control of grassy weeds in wildflower areas and fine fescue stands. It controls barnyardgrass, johnsongrass, tall fescue, wild oats, quackgrass and many more grassy weeds. Segment® II can be used during spring summer or fall to eliminate target grasses. The addition of MSO or COC is recommended for best results.

Tower® - Your Premier, Broad-Spectrum Weed Solution

Tower® herbicide provides broad-spectrum, preemergent control of sedges and numerous grassy and broadleaf weeds, including goosegrass, crabgrass, field sandbur, yellow nutsedge, kyllinga and spurge. Tower® herbicide is not recommended for use in spring as it may suppress seedhead development in desirable native grasses. Applications are most effective when applied in late spring to early summer.

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