Control weeds while overseeding this fall

By Ron Townsend, M.S., technical services manager for Syngenta

With Tenacity® herbicide, you can control weeds at the same time you seed into bare ground or overseed existing turf. Most herbicide products remove weeds from established turf, but Tenacity can also be used to prevent weeds from germinating in newly seeded or overseeded turf. When grass seed has a chance to grow without weed competition, fall root establishment is stronger, resulting in a healthier, denser turf stand in the spring. 

Whether you want to overseed in the fall, re-seed bare areas or remove grass weeds like creeping bentgrass from your turf, Tenacity can help.

Seeding with Tenacity

With few restrictions around applications, Tenacity may be applied to labeled turfgrasses anytime up to or during seeding, but prior to emergence and four weeks after emergence. Tenacity is one of the few herbicides that controls weeds during the seeding process and provides pre-emergent and some post-emergent control of many weeds. View the Tenacity and Hydroseeding Information Sheet to learn more.


University of Maryland trial, 2010. Tenacity was applied at 5 oz. + 5 oz./A.
Performance assessments are based upon results or analysis of public information, field observations and/or internal Syngenta evaluations. Trials reflect treatment rates commonly recommended in the marketplace.

Keys to success

  1. Apply Tenacity at 5-8 fl. oz./A prior to, during or after seeding. A non-ionic surfactant is recommended if weeds are present at time of application.
  2. Repeat application after second mowing or three to four weeks after emergence.
  3. Use the low rate (5 oz./A) for existing stands containing greater than 50% ryegrass or fine fescue. Do not use on seed mixtures containing more than 20% fine fescue by weight.

White means it is working

Short term, transient whitening may result from Tenacity applications. Its mode of action prevents production of carotenoids in new leaf tissue, a key stabilizer of chlorophyll (green color) in plants. This may also occur in new seedlings of desired turfgrass species. The effect is temporary and with regular mowing, white tissue disappears.

The resulting turfgrass stand is weed-free during establishment and helps ensure a healthy stand of grass.

For a complete list of target weeds controlled, please consult the Tenacity label. Below is a list of some common weeds controlled by Tenacity:

  • Common chickweed
  • Common dandelion
  • Creeping bentgrass
  • Crabgrass- large, smooth and southern
  • Florida betony
  • Ground ivy
  • Henbit
  • Large hop clover
  • Lawn burweed
  • Mouseear chickweed
  • Nimblewill
  • Oxalis
  • Speedwell – persian, purslane
  • Annual bluegrass suppression
  • Shepherd’s purse
  • Sowthistle
  • Swinecress
  • White clover
  • Wild violet
  • Yellow nutsedge

To learn more about how Tenacity can control troublesome weeds in your area, contact your local Syngenta territory manager.

Always refer to the product label for full use recommendations.

All photos are either the property of Syngenta or are used with permission.

© 2023 Syngenta. Important: Always read and follow label instructions. Some products may not be registered for sale or use in all states or counties and/or may have state-specific use requirements. Please check with your local extension service to ensure registration and proper use. Tenacity® and the Syngenta logo are trademarks of a Syngenta Group Company.

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