Liquid Harvest Mesotrione 8oz Concentrate - Pre & Post-Emergent Weed

Our review of Liquid Harvest Mesotrione 8oz concentrate finds it best for homeowners and turf managers who need a targeted herbicide that works systemically against a wide range of broadleaf weeds and some grassy weeds. The bottom line: it delivers visible control without harming many desirable cool-season turfgrasses when used as directed, but it requires activation by rainfall or irrigation and patience for full results. This review explains what it kills, which grasses are safe, and practical limits to expect from an 8oz bottle.

Key Features

• Active ingredient: Mesotrione acts by inhibiting photosynthesis, which stops weed growth and leads to plant collapse over a few weeks.
• Fast uptake: The concentrate is absorbed immediately at application, beginning activity quickly while full visible control can take 2-3 weeks.
• Broad spectrum: Labeled for control of 46 broadleaf species and some grasses including Barnyard grass, Carpetweed, Chickweed, Clover, Crabgrass, and Dandelion.
• Activation requirement: Needs 0.15 in of water within 10 days to activate if rainfall does not occur, so irrigation planning matters after treatment.
• Turf compatibility: Safe for many cool-season turfgrasses such as Kentucky Bluegrass, Tall Fescue, Perennial and Fine Fescues, and Centipede when applied correctly.
• Prevention benefit: Prevents crabgrass seed germination as well as eliminating existing broadleaf weeds when used at recommended timings.

Who It's For

This product is aimed at homeowners, landscapers, and groundskeepers managing cool-season lawns who need a selective herbicide to reduce broadleaf weeds and some grassy weeds without damaging most desirable turfgrasses listed on the label. It is useful where a systemic mode of action and preemergent activity against crabgrass are desired.

Those who should look elsewhere include managers of bermudagrass, zoysia, kikuyu, seashore paspalum, bentgrass, or lawns with heavy Poa annua pressure, since these grasses are listed as susceptible. Also, if fast visual results in days are required rather than weeks, a contact-only product may be a better choice.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Effective systemic control of many broadleaf weeds while protecting several cool-season turf types when used as directed.
• Provides both preemergent crabgrass prevention and postemergent weed control in one mode of action.
• Requires only a small irrigation amount to activate if natural rainfall is absent, allowing planned use in dry periods.
• Concentrate format mixes for spot or broadcast applications, giving flexible coverage options.

Cons

• Full weed death can take 2-3 weeks, so results are not immediate and users must be patient.
• Small 8oz bottle size draws mixed customer feedback on value and may require careful measuring for larger lawns.

Specifications

Product	Mesotrione concentrate, 8oz
Active ingredient	Mesotrione
Target weeds	46 broadleaf species and select grasses (e.g., Crabgrass, Dandelion, Chickweed)
Compatible turf	Kentucky Bluegrass, Tall Fescue, Perennial/Fine Fescue, Centipede, Buffalo, St. Augustine (sod only)
Do not use on	Bentgrass, Poa annua, kikuyugrass, zoysiagrass, seashore paspalum, bermudagrass
Activation	Requires 0.15 in of water within 10 days or natural rainfall

Our Verdict

Liquid Harvest Mesotrione 8oz concentrate is a practical, targeted herbicide for cool-season turf managers who prioritize selective, systemic control and preemergent crabgrass prevention. It is a good value for small to medium lawns when users accept the 2-3 week timeframe for full control and plan irrigation for activation; larger areas may require multiple bottles and careful measuring.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long before weeds die?
Visible control typically appears within 2-3 weeks after application, though initial activity begins on contact.

Do I need to water after application?
Yes, if no rainfall occurs within 10 days you should apply about 0.15 in of water to activate the product.

Is it safe on all turfgrasses?
No, it is safe on many cool-season grasses listed on the label but should not be used on bentgrass, Poa annua, zoysia, kikuyu, seashore paspalum, or active bermudagrass.