Specs are compiled from manufacturer listings and verified buyer reviews and can change over time — please confirm the key details on the product page before buying.
You spent the time and money getting a lush Zoysia lawn, only to watch dollarweed, clover, and nutsedge muscle their way in. The wrong weed killer can actually harm your Zoysia, making the problem worse. This guide focuses on selective herbicides that target broadleaf weeds and sedges while leaving your warm-season turf untouched.
I’m Rikta — the founder and writer behind Lawn Gear Lab. This guide is built by comparing the manufacturers’ published specifications and the patterns across verified customer reviews, so you get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs instead of marketing spin.
After looking at the specs and real-world feedback, these six products stand out for killing tough weeds on Zoysia grass without killing the grass itself. Read on to find the best weed killer for zoysia grass for your lawn.
Quick Picks
- Atticus Sertay Herbicide (1.25 oz) — Best Overall
- Nufarm Change Up (32 oz) — Premium Pick
- Atticus Empero Q-Pak Nutsedge Killer (2-Pack) — Top Performer
- Monterey Weed Whacker (1 Quart) — Best Coverage
- Fertilome Weed-Out Lawn Weed Killer (32 oz) — Budget Champion
- Scotts WeedEx Southern (12.5 lbs) — Easiest Application
How To Choose The Best Weed Killer For Zoysia Grass
Zoysia is a warm-season grass that goes dormant in winter, which makes it sensitive to certain broadleaf herbicides during green-up and cold stress. The trick is picking a selective product that kills the weed but spares your turf.
Look for Zoysia on the Label
This is the single most important step. The product’s label must list Zoysiagrass as a tolerated turf type. If it doesn’t, the herbicide may damage or kill your grass. Every product on this list explicitly includes Zoysia on its approved list.
Pick the Right Active Ingredient for Your Weed
For broadleaf weeds like clover, dandelion, and dollarweed, look for a three-way herbicide containing MCPA, dicamba, or fluroxypyr. For nutsedge, you need a dedicated product with halosulfuron-methyl or sulfosulfuron. Using a general-purpose broadleaf killer on nutsedge often fails because the plant’s underground tubers survive the spray.
Consider Coverage and Form
Liquid concentrates cover more area per bottle but require a sprayer and careful mixing. Granular products like Scotts WeedEx are easier to apply with a spreader but cover less ground per bag. A product like the Atticus Sertay covers 12,500 square feet per 1.25 oz bottle, compared to 1,000 square feet per bottle for a liquid concentrate.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | Coverage | Active Ingredient | Form | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atticus Sertay | Heavy nutsedge & Poa annua | 12,500 sq ft | Sulfosulfuron | Water-dispersible granule | Amazon |
| Nufarm Change Up | 200+ broadleaf weeds | 1,000 sq ft | MCPA, Fluroxypyr, Dicamba | Liquid concentrate | Amazon |
| Atticus Empero Q-Pak | Nutsedge in established lawns | 2,000 sq ft | Halosulfuron-methyl | Water-dispersible granule (packet) | Amazon |
| Monterey Weed Whacker | 140+ weed types year-round | 10,000 sq ft | 3-way herbicide | Liquid concentrate | Amazon |
| Ferti-lome Weed-Out | Budget-friendly broadleaf control | 8,000 sq ft | 3-way herbicide | Liquid concentrate | Amazon |
| Scotts WeedEx Southern | Easy granular spot treatment | 4,000 sq ft | Granular selective | Granule | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Atticus Sertay Herbicide (1.25 oz)
The heavy hitter that takes down nutsedge, sedge, and even Poa annua on southern lawns.
Zoysia owners dealing with multiple stubborn weed types will appreciate that this product contains 75% sulfosulfuron — the same active ingredient as the leading brand for warm-season turf. It controls grassy weeds, broadleaf weeds, sedge, nutsedge, and kyllinga in one application. It is labeled safe for Zoysiagrass plus eight other warm-season grasses including Bermudagrass and St. Augustinegrass.
Coverage is the standout here. A single 1.25 oz bottle treats up to 12,500 square feet, which is a massive difference from the Nufarm Change Up that covers only 1,000 square feet at the same 32 oz size. Buyers report visible results in 3-4 weeks on tough Poa annua. You can also use it around woody ornamentals and groundcovers to keep landscaped areas clean without switching products.
class-leading coverage & weed range: You treat up to 12,500 square feet per bottle — far more than any other product here — and it kills a wide range of weeds, so you get the best value for a larger lawn, even though the upfront cost is higher.
Patience required: You need warm, moist conditions for best results, and it may take several weeks to see full die-off on mature sedge clumps.
Reach for this if: Your Zoysia lawn has nutsedge, Poa annua, or a mix of broadleaf and grassy weeds and you want the most coverage per bottle by far.
Look elsewhere if: You only have a small patch of clover or dandelion — a cheaper, broadleaf-only spray will work faster and cost less.
2. Nufarm Change Up (32 oz)
A three-way powerhouse that clobbers over 200 broadleaf weeds fast on both warm- and cool-season turf.
This premium selective herbicide combines MCPA (51.05%), fluroxypyr (6.0%), and dicamba (4.17%) to attack broadleaf weeds from multiple angles. It is labeled for Zoysiagrass plus a long list of other grasses including Bermudagrass, Kentucky bluegrass, and St. Augustinegrass. Use it on residential lawns or commercial sites.
Owners mention it worked fast on clover — one reviewer noted clover was completely gone in a little over a week. The coverage is limited to about 1,000 square feet per bottle at the.46 oz to 1.1 oz per 1,000 sq ft rate, so it is best for spot-treating problem areas rather than spraying the whole yard. The liquid concentrate needs mixing and a sprayer, and the active ingredients work systemically through the leaves to the roots.
Fast-acting broadleaf control: Clover and dandelion often show full die-off within one to two weeks based on real buyer feedback.
Tight coverage: At roughly 1,000 sq ft per bottle, you will need multiple units for a full-acre lawn, unlike the Atticus Sertay which covers 12.5x more area per bottle.
Grab this for: Targeted treatment of clover, dandelion, oxalis, and other broadleaf invaders on a medium-sized lawn where speed matters more than coverage.
skip it if: You need a nutsedge killer or you are spraying a large area — the coverage is too limited for both cases.
3. Atticus Empero Q-Pak Nutsedge Killer (2-Pack)
Pre-measured packets that make nutsedge control idiot-proof for Zoysia owners.
Nutsedge is one of the toughest weeds to eliminate in Zoysia because it spreads through underground tubers (nutlets). This product uses 5% halosulfuron-methyl, which travels down into those roots for complete top-to-bottom kill. Each packet is pre-measured to mix with one gallon of water in a sprayer, and it already includes a surfactant (a spreader-sticker that helps the spray cling to waxy sedge leaves), so you do not need extra additives.
Customers note that results are effective but slow — it took about 3 weeks to see yellowing and roughly 1 month for visible kill. Some users needed a second treatment for tall blooming areas. The two-pack covers about 2,000 square feet total. Pets and people can re-enter the area once the spray has dried, which is convenient for families.
No-fuss mixing
- Each packet is pre-measured and pre-mixed with surfactant — just add to 1 gallon of water
- Safe for Zoysia, bluegrass, fescue, and Bermudagrass
- Pets and people can re-enter once dry
Slow action
- Can take up to a month to see full results on nutsedge
- One buyer mentioned it killed their grass in some areas along with the nutsedge
Perfect for: Homeowners who want a straightforward, ready-to-mix nutsedge killer that is gentle on Zoysia and easy to apply.
Consider another if: You need fast results or a large-area treatment — the coverage per packet is modest at 2,000 sq ft for the two-pack.
4. Monterey Weed Whacker (1 Quart)
A flexible year-round spray that covers 10,000 square feet and works on over 140 weed species.
This three-way selective herbicide is designed for both warm- and cool-season turf, including Zoysia. It kills over 140 weed types including dandelions, oxalis, poison oak, spurge, rush, clover, aster, and thistle. The 1-quart bottle covers up to 10,000 square feet when mixed at the label rate, making it a solid middle-ground option between the small-coverage Nufarm Change Up and the massive-coverage Atticus Sertay.
You can use it all year, but it works best when weeds are young and actively growing. The manufacturer recommends using it no more than twice per year in the same area. It is a liquid concentrate, so you need a spray tank to apply it. Unlike the granular Scotts WeedEx, this product requires mixing and spraying, which takes more setup time but gives you better precision on individual weeds.
Versatile weapon
- Covers 10,000 sq ft per quart — good for medium to large lawns
- Kills 140+ broadleaf weeds including poison oak and thistle
- Safe for Zoysia, Bermuda, St. Augustine, and others
Twice-a-year limit
- Should not be applied more than twice per year in the same area
- Requires a sprayer and careful mixing for proper dilution
Best for: A Zoysia lawn with a broad mix of common broadleaf weeds where you want good per-bottle coverage without jumping to the premium price bracket.
Not for: Nutsedge control — this product is a broadleaf herbicide and will not touch sedge tubers.
5. Fertilome Weed-Out Lawn Weed Killer (32 oz)
A budget-friendly pint that treats 8,000 square feet and handles over 200 broadleaf weeds.
This liquid concentrate is among the most affordable options for Zoysia owners who need broad-spectrum weed control without a premium price tag. It controls more than 200 broadleaf weeds including dandelion, clover, and chickweed. It is safe on Zoysia, Bermuda, Bahia, Kentucky Bluegrass, and Fescue, among others.
The 32 oz bottle treats up to 8,000 square feet at the recommended mix rate — nearly the same coverage as the Monterey Weed Whacker but at a lower cost per bottle. Apply in spring when weeds are small and growing fast, and again in fall for late-germinating weeds. Simply mix the concentrate with water at the label rate and spray the lawn thoroughly.
Cost-effective coverage
- Covers 8,000 sq ft per bottle at a budget-friendly price
- Controls over 200 broadleaf weeds
- Safe for Zoysia, Bermuda, Kentucky Bluegrass, and Fescue
No nutsedge
- Only targets broadleaf weeds — will not kill nutsedge or sedge
- Requires mixing and a sprayer for application
Pick this for: The best value per square foot on broadleaf weeds — it costs less than the Monterey but covers nearly the same area.
Avoid if: You need a dedicated nutsedge or grassy weed killer, as it only targets broadleaf types.
6. Scotts WeedEx Southern (12.5 lbs)
A no-spray granular option that simply needs a spreader and a hose to work on southern grasses.
If you do not own a sprayer or you prefer a spread-and-water approach, this granular weed killer is the simplest option. It controls tough southern weeds like dollarweed and clover, plus dandelion, chickweed, oxalis, henbit, and evening primrose. It is only for use on St. Augustinegrass (including Floratam), Centipedegrass, Zoysiagrass, and Carpetgrass — not for Bermuda or cool-season lawns.
The 12.5 lb bag covers 4,000 square feet. You apply it when grass and weeds are actively growing, then water it in immediately after application. It is only available in southern states: NM, TX, KS, OK, MO, AR, LA, MS, AL, GA, SC, NC, FL. Unlike liquid concentrates, you do not need to mix anything, but you do need a drop spreader for even coverage.
Spreader-friendly
- No sprayer needed — just apply with a spreader and water in
- Controls dollarweed, clover, dandelion, and many other southern weeds
- Labeled specifically for Zoysia, St. Augustine, Centipede, and Carpetgrass
Regional and limited
- Only available in select southern states
- Coverage is 4,000 sq ft per bag — less than liquid concentrates
- Not for Bermuda or cool-season grasses
Go with this if: You want the simplest application method and you have a small to medium Zoysia lawn with dollarweed or clover.
Pass if: You are outside the listed southern states, have a larger lawn, or need to treat nutsedge.
Understanding the Specs
Selective vs. Non-Selective Herbicide
A selective herbicide (like all six products here) kills specific weed types without harming the desired turfgrass. The active ingredients target enzyme pathways or growth patterns unique to broadleaf plants or sedges, leaving Zoysia’s root system unharmed. A non-selective herbicide like glyphosate kills anything green it touches and would wipe out your Zoysia.
Active Ingredient vs. Formulation
The active ingredient is the chemical that actually kills the weed — halosulfuron-methyl for nutsedge, sulfosulfuron for sedge and broadleaf, or a three-way mix (MCPA, fluroxypyr, dicamba) for general broadleaf control. The formulation (granule vs. liquid concentrate vs. water-dispersible granule) affects how you apply it. Granules need a spreader and water; liquids need a sprayer and careful mixing; water-dispersible granules dissolve in a spray tank.
FAQ
Can I use a regular broadleaf weed killer on Zoysia grass?
What is the difference between a nutsedge killer and a broadleaf weed killer?
Does Scotts WeedEx work on Zoysia grass?
How long does it take for a selective herbicide to work on Zoysia?
Can I overseed Zoysia after applying a weed killer?
Is it safe to use these products on a new Zoysia lawn?
Will these weed killers kill clover in Zoysia grass?
How do I apply a liquid concentrate weed killer without damaging my Zoysia?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most people, the weed killer for zoysia grass winner is the Atticus Sertay Herbicide because it controls nutsedge, broadleaf weeds, and Poa annua while covering 12,500 square feet per bottle — far more than any other product on this list. If you want fast-acting broadleaf control and are treating small patches, grab the Nufarm Change Up. And for the easiest application with no sprayer required, the standout is the Scotts WeedEx Southern.
How We Picked
We do not accept paid placement. Every pick is matched to a real buyer and a real use-case; we do not hands-on test units.
Sources & Methodology
Specifications: manufacturer listings and product documentation. Review insights: verified customer reviews, as of July 2026. Pricing: not shown on this page (it changes often); check the current price via the retailer link.
As an Amazon Associate, Lawn Gear Lab earns from qualifying purchases. This does not affect which products we feature.