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Roundup on Dormant Zoysia: High Risk, Low Reward

The Question

Can glyphosate (Roundup) be spot-sprayed on winter weeds in dormant zoysia without harming the grass?

The Reality

Roundup kills any green tissue it contacts. It translocates throughout the plant. While some sources claim dormant zoysia can tolerate overspray, this requires complete dormancy and perfect application accuracy. Any green stolon or rhizome tissue will be killed.

Professional Advice

Don't risk it. Use a selective broadleaf herbicide labeled for zoysia instead. The potential loss of zoysia patches far outweighs the convenience of a non-selective spray.

Safer Alternative

Products containing 2,4-D, MCPP, dicamba, or carfentrazone control winter broadleaves safely in dormant zoysia when applied per label.

Lawns: Zoysia Grass Fertilization: Less Is More in Living Soil; Choosing Between Zoysia and Floratam St. Augustine for a New Lawn; Removing Zoysia Grass Near a Well Without Toxins; Reviving Zoysia Lawn with Core Aeration; Weed ID Required Before Any Herbicide in Zoysia; Mowing Dormant Grass in New Jersey: Yes, One Final Cut Helps; Saving Heat-Stressed Zoysia Sod: The Messenger (Harpin Protein) Option; Zoysia Grass in New York: The Trade-Offs of a Warm-Season Lawn in a Cool Climate; Zoysia Seedheads: Normal Seasonal Occurrence, Not a Problem; Using Roundup on Zoysiagrass: Why It's Risky and Off-Label

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