How to Kill Goosegrass (Silver Crabgrass) in Tall Fescue Without Hurting Your Lawn
Direct Agronomic Answer
To selectively kill Goosegrass (Silver Crabgrass) in Tall Fescue without damaging your turf, apply Tenacity (Mesotrione 40%), Acclaim Extra (Fenoxaprop-p-ethyl 6.59%) when air temperatures are between 55°F and 85°F.
Quinclorac does not control Goosegrass. For Bermudagrass turf, use Metribuzin or Revolver, or apply pre-emergent Prodiamine or Dithiopyr 2 to 3 weeks after crabgrass timing as Goosegrass germinates at warmer soil temperatures (60°F–65°F).
1. Labeled Safe Herbicides That Kill Goosegrass (Silver Crabgrass) in Tall Fescue
| Recommended Product | Active Ingredient & Group | Application Temp (°F) | Surfactant & Mixing Protocol | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tenacity EPA Reg. 100-1267 |
Mesotrione 40% Group 27 (HPPD Inhibitor) |
55°F – 85°F Rainfast: 6h |
Always apply with Non-Ionic Surfactant (NIS) at 1 tsp (5 mL) per gallon of water for post-emergent applications. Causes temporary white bleaching on susceptible weeds and turf tips. | Check Price at DoMyOwn View on Amazon |
| Acclaim Extra EPA Reg. 432-950 |
Fenoxaprop-p-ethyl 6.59% Group 1 (ACCase Inhibitor) |
60°F – 85°F Rainfast: 1h |
Add Non-Ionic Surfactant (NIS) at 0.5 tsp per gallon only when targeting mature multi-tiller Goosegrass or Japanese Stiltgrass. Never tank-mix with 2,4-D (causes antagonism). | Check Price at DoMyOwn View on Amazon |
| Pylex Herbicide EPA Reg. 7969-327 |
Topramezone 29.7% Group 27 (HPPD Inhibitor / Pyrazolone) |
55°F – 85°F Rainfast: 1h |
Must be applied with Methylated Seed Oil (MSO) at 1 to 1.5 tsp per gallon of water. Tank-mixing with Triclopyr Ester reduces white bleaching and speeds up Bermudagrass and Goosegrass mortality. | Check Price at DoMyOwn View on Amazon |
| Barricade 4FL (Prodiamine 65 WDG) EPA Reg. 100-1139 |
Prodiamine 40.7% (or 65% WDG) Group 3 (Microtubule Assembly Inhibitor / Dinitroaniline) |
45°F – 90°F Rainfast: 0h |
Pre-emergent soil barrier: do NOT use foliar surfactant. Must be watered in with 0.5 inches of irrigation or rainfall within 14 days of application to activate. | Check Price at DoMyOwn View on Amazon |
3. Optimal Seasonal Timing & Temperature Thresholds
Apply pre-emergents in late spring when soil temperatures reach 62°F, and spray post-emergents when tillers are small (1 to 4 tillers) in early summer.
Mature Goosegrass plants form thick tough crowns that resist herbicides. Relieving soil compaction with core aeration significantly reduces re-infestation.
4. Diagnostic Checklist: Confirm It Is Goosegrass (Silver Crabgrass) Before Spraying
- Flattened, prostrate rosette with a prominent whitish to silvery center
- Folded vernation with dark green, smooth, fibrous blades
- Zipper-like seedhead spikes arranged in 2 to 6 terminal segments
Not 100% sure? Use our AI Photo Weed Scanner or review the full Goosegrass (Silver Crabgrass) Botanical Profile.