Target 6 Plus (MSMA) 48.2% Turf Herbicide - 5 gallons:1 case

The Verdict

Let’s cut through the noise. If you’re fighting dallisgrass, crabgrass, or other stubborn weeds in warm-season turf, you already know most over-the-counter herbicides won’t touch them. Target 6 Plus (MSMA) 48.2% is the heavy artillery — and at 4.8 stars across 240 ratings, it’s earned a reputation. But it’s not a grab-and-go spray. Here’s what you need to know before you commit to five gallons of it.

What You Actually Get

One case contains a single 5-gallon jug of concentrated MSMA (monosodium methanearsonate) at 48.2% active ingredient. That’s it — no sprayer, no surfactant, no measuring cup. You’re buying raw chemical, and you’ll need to supply the mixing equipment and a quality non-ionic surfactant (more on that in a minute). At typical rates of 1.5 to 2 pints per acre, this case stretches to roughly 2–3 acres of turf treatment. For a commercial applicator or a homeowner with a serious acreage problem, that’s a solid return.

Performance and Real-World Results

MSMA is the old-school answer to grassy weeds that selective herbicides like 2,4-D or dicamba won’t kill. It’s systemic — absorbed through leaves and translocated to roots, which is why it nukes perennial weeds like dallisgrass and torpedograss rather than just burning them back temporarily.

The 4.8-star rating didn’t happen by accident. Buyer feedback consistently highlights how it works where other products failed. One reviewer put it bluntly: “I’ve tried everything for dallisgrass. This is the only thing that actually killed it.” Another noted it took about two weeks to see full brown-out, but the weeds stayed dead — which is exactly what you want.

That said, this isn’t a cosmetic herbicide. Expect the target weeds to turn yellow and die over 7–14 days. And if you apply it to Bermuda grass during a hot, dry stretch, you may see temporary yellowing or stunting of the turf itself. That’s not a product failure — it’s an application timing issue. Spray when grass is actively growing and temperatures are below 90°F for best results.

What Buyers Consistently Praise

Beyond the weed-killing power, the most repeated positives in the reviews are:

• Efficacy on tough weeds — crabgrass, dallisgrass, goosegrass, and even some sedges.
• Value per gallon — at this concentration, a little goes a long way. Several reviewers noted it paid for itself in one season compared to repeated applications of weaker products.
• Reliable concentration — no variance between jugs; the 48.2% label matches what’s inside.

Where It Falls Short

Let’s be honest about the downsides.

Regulatory hurdles are real. MSMA is restricted in several states — particularly in the Southeast and parts of the Midwest — due to arsenic content. It’s labeled for use on golf courses, sod farms, and highway rights-of-way, not for typical residential lawns in many jurisdictions. Check your state’s pesticide database before you buy. If you’re in a restricted area, this jug is a liability, not a solution.

Mixing discipline matters. Without a surfactant, you’ll get poor leaf coverage and inconsistent kill. Several lower-rated reviews trace back to skipping this step. Also, don’t tank-mix with other products without testing a small area first — MSMA can be finicky.

No residual control. This kills what’s there but doesn’t prevent new weeds from germinating. Pair it with a pre-emergent if you want season-long control.

Who Should Buy This

• Sod farmers and golf course superintendents — this is exactly the professional-grade product you need for large-scale grassy weed control.
• Acreage owners with established warm-season lawns (Bermuda, Zoysia, St. Augustine) fighting dallisgrass or crabgrass infestations.
• Commercial applicators who already have the license and equipment to apply restricted-use pesticides.

Skip It If

• You have a small suburban lawn — you’ll never use five gallons before it loses potency, and the regulatory hassle isn’t worth it.
• You’re in a state where MSMA is restricted and you don’t have an applicator’s license.
• You want a quick fix — this requires patience, proper mixing, and follow-up applications for full control.

FAQ

Q: How much do I mix per gallon of water? A: For spot treatments, mix 1–2 tablespoons per gallon of water with a non-ionic surfactant. For broadcast applications, use 1.5–2 pints per acre. Always read the label — it’s the final authority.

Q: Will this kill my Bermuda grass? A: At labeled rates, MSMA is safe for established Bermuda grass. However, applying during heat stress or drought can cause temporary yellowing. Water the lawn a day before application and avoid spraying when temps exceed 90°F.

Q: Is this legal for home use? A: It depends on your state. MSMA is a restricted-use pesticide in many areas. Check with your state’s department of agriculture or your local extension office before purchasing.

The Verdict

Buy it if you have a serious grassy weed problem on warm-season turf and you’re legally cleared to use MSMA. It’s proven, potent, and cost-effective at scale.

Skip it if you have a small lawn, live in a restricted state, or want a no-fuss product. This is professional-grade chemistry — it demands respect and preparation.

Rating: 4.6/5 — The half-star deduction is for the regulatory complexity and the learning curve. But for those who can legally use it, this is the most effective tool in the shed.

Where to Buy

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.