Safely Killing Unwanted Grass Under Pine Trees with Targeted Herbicide Application

Selective Spot Treatment

Glyphosate (Roundup) can be used under pines if applied only to grass foliage. Mix 2 oz concentrate per gallon water. Spray or brush onto target grass. Avoid any contact with pine needles or bark.

Process & Timeline

1. Apply on calm day to prevent drift.
2. Grass yellows in 2–4 weeks, turns to bare soil.
3. Maintain by hand-pulling or monthly repeat applications during growing season.

Critical Precaution

Tree roots may absorb herbicide if soil is saturated. Do not over-apply. Shield desirable plants. This method works because glyphosate has no soil residual activity and does not translocate through soil to tree roots.