The label is the law. Rates and restrictions below are taken from the product labels listed under Sources. Your product's own label governs; read it before you mix or apply. Mixing calculator · Disclaimer
- Active ingredient
- Metsulfuron-methyl
- Chemical class
- Sulfonylurea herbicide; WSSA Group 2 inhibitor of acetolactate synthase (ALS), the enzyme behind the amino acids isoleucine, leucine and valine.[2][1]
- Mode of action
- WSSA Group 2: Acetolactate synthase (ALS) inhibitors (sulfonylureas)[2][1]
- Signal word
- MSM Turf Herbicide: Caution[1]
Trees, shrubs and later planting
Keep it away from desirable trees and plants and anywhere their roots may extend, including thin turf or shallow soil where roots could be contacted directly. Never drain or flush the sprayer near them.[1]
Don't plant shrubs, trees or other ornamentals in treated areas for at least 1 year after the last application, or bedding plants for at least 2 years.[1]
Bahiagrass is a target, not a lawn grass here
The label controls bahiagrass in bermudagrass turf at 0.25 to 0.75 oz per acre, with a repeat in 4 to 6 weeks if needed. That also means it shouldn't be used where bahiagrass is the desired lawn, since severe injury may result.[1]
Where it is used
Measure carefully: the turf rates run from 0.125 oz to 1 oz of product per acre. Common weeds like clover, dandelion and chickweed need only 0.25 to 0.33 oz per acre.[1]
A nonionic surfactant at 1 quart per 100 gallons gives the best performance, though it can temporarily increase turf yellowing. Use the lowest rate for the least yellowing.[1]
Don't treat turf stressed by drought, insects, disease or poor fertility, cool-season grass above 85°F, semi-dormant St. Augustinegrass, or turf under 1 year old.[1]
Allow one week between MSM Turf and other pesticide applications, and wait 8 weeks after spraying before overseeding.[1]
Products and registrations
| Product | Registrant | EPA Reg. No. | Active % | Formulation | Signal word |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSM Turf Herbicide[1] | Control Solutions, Inc. | 53883-430 | 60.0% | water-dispersible granules | Caution |
Label rates
| Product | Use | Pests | Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSM Turf Herbicide | Established Kentucky bluegrass, fine fescue, bermudagrass, centipedegrass, zoysiagrass and St. Augustinegrass turf | Clover, dandelion, chickweed, henbit, wild onion, wild garlic, oxalis, plantain, Virginia buttonweed, bahiagrass and other listed weeds | 0.125–1.0 oz product per acre[1] Kentucky bluegrass, fine fescue, zoysiagrass and centipedegrass take 0.25 to 0.5 oz per acre; bermudagrass and St. Augustinegrass take 0.25 to 1 oz. Never exceed 4 oz product per acre per year. |
Safety and environmental hazards
People
Signal word CAUTION: harmful if absorbed through the skin and causes moderate eye irritation. Wear long sleeves, long pants, shoes, socks and chemical-resistant gloves, and wash after handling.[1]
Pets
For non-farm sites the label says not to enter treated areas without protective clothing until sprays have dried; it has no separate pet statement.[1]
Bees and pollinators
The label gives no bee warning; its environmental cautions focus on groundwater, surface water runoff and drift onto desirable plants.[1]
Fish and water
Don't apply to water or water-saturated soil. It can leach to groundwater and run off to surface water for weeks; avoid applying when rain or irrigation is expected within 48 hours.[1]
Common questions
- How much MSM Turf can I use in a year?
- No more than 4 oz of product (0.15 lb metsulfuron-methyl) per acre per year, counting all products with this active. On Kentucky bluegrass and fine fescue, no more than 0.5 oz per acre in 9 months.[1]
- Will metsulfuron hurt my trees?
- It can. The label warns of injury or loss of trees if it is applied where their roots extend, or washed into contact with them.[1]
- Does metsulfuron control wild onion and wild garlic?
- Yes. Both are listed at 0.33 to 0.5 oz of product per acre.[1]
Sources
- U.S. EPA Pesticide Product Label System, “MSM Turf Herbicide label, EPA Reg. No. 53883-430 (EPA-stamped, Jan. 8, 2021).” www3.epa.gov/pesticides/chem_search/ppls/053883-00430-20210108.pdf (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Weed Science Society of America, “Summary of Herbicide Mechanism of Action According to the Weed Science Society of America.” wssa.net/wp-content/uploads/WSSA-Mechanism-of-Action.pdf (accessed 2026-10-06)