Tenacity Herbicide FAQs (The Ultimate Frequently Asked Questions Guide)

For best results, apply Tenacity to a dry lawn. This will allow the herbicide and surfactant to better adhere to the weeds.

You can apply Tenacity herbicide as a pre-emergent before the rain. However, when used as a post-emergent weed killer, it’s best to apply it 4 hours before rainfall.

Yes, Tenacity can be applied in the fall to target labeled grassy and broadleaf weeds.

Yes, Tenacity herbicide can be mixed with 2,4-d.

Yes, Tenacity can be used on new grass. However, the new grass either needs to have been mowed at least twice, has been 30+ days since germination, or whichever is longer.

Yes, Tenacity (mesotrione) is a selective herbicide that will not affect the germination of your good grass seeds (Kentucky Bluegrass, Centipedegrass, Buffalograss, Tall Fescue, Perennial Ryegrass, Fine Fescue, St. Augustine Grass (grown for sod only))

Yes, mixing Tenacity with Speedzone makes a powerful selective herbicide that will work on a long list of grassy weeds and broadleaf weeds

Yes, you can blanket spray Tenacity herbicide on your lawn as long as your grass is listed on the label. However, blanket spraying over your entire lawn can temporarily bleach your good turf.

You can use Tenacity herbicide during overseeding. However, you cannot spray Tenacity herbicide on new grass that has germinated before 30 days. It’s best to wait until the new grass has germinated for +30 or has been mowed at least twice.

Yes, you can use Tenacity as a pre-emergent during overseeding. When used according to the label, you should see 3-4 weeks of pre-emergent efficacy.

Bermudagrass is sensitive to Tenacity (mesotrione). Apply 5 oz. per acre (43,560 sq. ft.) on dormant Bermudagrass only.

Yes, you can apply Tenacity in the fall. However, to tackle winter weeds, a broadleaf weed killer may be a better choice.

For best results, apply Tenacity and other herbicides when weeds are actively growing. Thus, applying this herbicide in the cold winter months is not recommended.

No, Tenacity is not labeled for use on Bahia grass.

Yes, Tenacity is labeled for use on Centipede grass (5 oz. per acre).

Yes, Tenacity is labeled for use on Fine Fescue grass (5-8 oz. per acre).

Yes, Tenacity is labeled for use on Kentucky Bluegrass (5 oz. per acre).

Yes, Tenacity is labeled for use on Turf Type Tall Fescue grass (5-8 oz. per acre).

When used as a post-emergent weed killer, use 3 teaspoons of non-ionic surfactant (NIS) with 1 teaspoon of Tenacity per 2 gallons of water.

When used as a weed killer, it is best to wait 4 hours after application for optimum results.

When using Tenacity as a pre-emergent (weed preventer), you will need to water the herbicide in. When used as a post-emergent weed killer, wait at least 4 hours.

Tenacity herbicide can damage Bermuda Grass. It is considered “sensitive” to mesotrione and should only be applied when Bermuda Grass is dormant.

Yes, Tenacity is labeled to kill some broadleaf weeds. Refer to the label for the entire list.

Yes, Tenacity is labeled to control Creeping Charlie (ground ivy). To fully eradicate Creeping Charlie, it may take up to two applications.

Tenacity will kill many grassy weeds and may damage or kill grass that is not labeled. Otherwise, it is a selective herbicide and safe for many desirable lawn types of grass – Kentucky Bluegrass, Centipedegrass, Buffalograss, TallFescue, Perennial Ryegrass, Fine Fescue, St. Augustine Grass (grown for sod only)

Yes, Tenacity will kill and control Ground Ivy (Creeping Charlie).

Tenacity is not labeled for pachysandra control.

Tenacity is not labeled for wild strawberry control.

As a pre-emergent, Tenacity herbicide should last 3-4 weeds as a weed preventer.

Visible results of Tenacity can be seen in as little as 5 days. However, depending on the weeds, severity, and overall conditions can take 10-14 days results.

Tenacity comes with a syringe. You need 1/2 teaspoon of Tenacity per gallon of water (0.167 oz.). If using as a post-emergent weed killer, also use 1.5 teaspoons of NIS.

Tenacity is labeled to control and kill over 40 weeds.

Tenacity applications use 1/2 teaspoon per gallon, which is generally used for 1,000 sq. ft. of turfgrass. Use our Tenacity Calculator to ensure accurate measurements.

Depending on the grass type, an 8 oz. bottle of Tenacity can cover 1.0 – 1.6 acres of turf (43,560 sq. ft. – 70,000 sq. ft.)

An 8 oz. bottle of Tenacity will cost between $60-$70 depending on the online store. More if you buy the kit which also includes NIS and blue dye.

The amount of dye depends on how much depth of color you want. But generally, it’s about 0.5 oz. of blue dye per gallon.

According to the label, per gallon of water, mix 1/2 teaspoon of Tenacity with 1 1/2 teaspoons of NIS. However, it’s OK to use more NIS.

For pre- or post-emergent use, use 1/2 teaspoon of Tenacity per gallon per 1,000 sq. ft.

Depending on the grass type labeled for Tenacity, 5-8 oz. of Tenacity will cover an acre of turf.

Use 1/2 teaspoon of Tenacity per gallon of water.

Tenacity is a popular pre-emergent herbicide when seeding and provides approximately 3-4 weeks of efficacy. However, when not seeding, it’s better to use other weed preventers like Prodiamine or Dimension.

For best results, use a non-ionic surfactant with applying Tenacity as a post-emergent weed killer.

The active ingredient (AI) in Tenacity is Mesotrione (40%).

Tenacity is labeled to kill and control over 40 weeds, including clover, wild violet, creeping charlie, henbit, chickweed, crabgrass, and dandelion.

Yes, Tenacity will kill and control creeping bentgrass. For best results, use two applications of Tenacity with NIS 10-14 days apart to kill creeping bentgrass.

Yes, Tenacity is labeled to control and kill crabgrass. Tenacity will do a sufficient job at killing younger crabgrass (under 4 tiller stages).

No, Tenacity is not labeled to control or kill nutsedge (nutgrass).

Tenacity is not labeled to kill or control Poa Annua. However, applications can do severe damage Poa Annua.

The fine print on the Tenacity label states that Tenacity can be used on St. Augustine grass when grown from sod. The applications should not exceed 4 oz. per acre on St. Augustine sod.

Tenacity is labeled safe for use on Tall Fescue. When used according to the label, Tenacity should not damage fescue grass.

Yes, Tenacity is labeled to control wild violets. Since wild violets are hearty broadleaf weeds, they may take two full applications to fully eradicate. For quicker results, mix with Speedzone or Tzone.

Zoysiagrass is considered “sensitive” to Tenacity and is not labeled for use on Zoysia.

Tenacity is harmful if absorbed through the skin. Be sure to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), wash hands/skin that has been exposed to the herbicide, and do not inhale. Wait until the herbicide has completely dried before entering the area – including dogs and pets. For full cautions and risks, please read the precautionary statements on the label.