A selective herbicide’s whole job is to kill broadleaf weeds like docks, thistles and nettles while leaving the grass around them standing. Which one to buy comes down to two questions: is the ground amenity turf or grazed grassland, and do you need a weed and feed in one pass or a standalone spray you control yourself.

Amenity turf or grazed grassland

For fairways, sports pitches, outfields and other recreational turf, ICL Cleanrun Pro and Sportsmaster Renovator Pro are mini-granular weed and feed products, spread rather than sprayed, combining a compound fertiliser with selective herbicide in one application.

For permanent pasture, paddocks and leys established for at least a year, Grazon Pro, Depitox is a foliar spray for docks, thistles, nettles, brambles, broom and gorse, applied by knapsack or boom sprayer rather than a spreader.

Weed and feed, or spray only

Cleanrun Pro (14-0-5 + MCPA + mecoprop-P) feeds the sward at the same time as it clears weeds such as plantains, chickweed and creeping buttercup, and its organic-based formulation breaks down within days rather than sitting undisturbed on the surface. It will not touch moss. Renovator Pro carries the same weed-and-feed base but adds iron for moss control and green-up in one pass, so it suits turf that needs all three jobs done together. If the turf does not need feeding right now, a standalone spray is the more direct route; the paddock and pasture sprays below are all spray-only, no fertiliser included.

Grazing restrictions matter as much as the weed list

Grazon Pro and Depitox both carry livestock withdrawal periods: Grazon Pro requires 7 days minimum before stock return and until any poisonous weeds such as ragwort have died back and become unpalatable; Depitox needs 14 days minimum for the same reason. None of the three should go on ground where clover is an important part of the sward, since all three will eradicate it along with the target weeds. Grass and weeds need to be actively growing for a good kill, so avoid spraying in drought or extreme heat or cold.

Which product for which job

  • Cleanrun Pro: sports turf that needs weed control and a light feed, no moss issue.
  • Renovator Pro: sports turf with weeds, moss and general green-up all in one visit.
  • Grazon Pro: paddocks and pasture with woody weeds like bramble, broom and gorse alongside the usual docks and thistles.
  • Depitox: broad-leaved weeds in grassland and turf, often mixed with another selective to widen the spectrum and manage resistance.

Facts and safety

These are professional plant protection products. Always read and follow the current product label and safety data sheet, keep livestock off treated ground for the stated withdrawal period, and do not apply from memory: rates, approvals and withdrawal periods can change, so check the label at the time of use. All operators must be trained and certificated to apply Ministry-approved professional products.

Next step

If your target list includes weeds that are already established and woody, such as bramble or gorse, or the ground grazes livestock, start with Grazon Pro or Depitox. If the job is sports turf that needs feeding at the same time, Cleanrun Pro or Renovator Pro will do both in one pass. For a site-specific recommendation, speak to Phoenix Amenity’s technical sales team.

Frequently asked questions

Will a selective herbicide kill my grass along with the weeds?

No, that is the point of a selective product: used at the correct rate and timing, it targets broadleaf weeds and leaves grass largely unaffected. It will still damage clover, so avoid these products where clover is a wanted part of the sward.

How long do I need to keep livestock off treated pasture?

It varies by product. Grazon Pro requires a minimum of 7 days, Depitox a minimum of 14 days, and in both cases you should wait until any poisonous weeds such as ragwort have died back and become unpalatable, which can take longer.

Can I mix two selective herbicides together?

Some products, such as Depitox, are designed to be mixed with another selective herbicide to widen the range of weeds controlled and help manage resistance. Always check the current label of both products for compatibility before mixing, and follow the stated rates for each.