What is a key characteristic of nonselective herbicides?

Nonselective herbicides are designed to kill all plant material that they come in contact with, making them effective for controlling a wide range of weeds. This characteristic makes them particularly useful for clearing areas of unwanted vegetation before establishing new turf or for controlling perennial weeds in established landscapes. Because they do not discriminate between desirable plants and weeds, it is critical to use them carefully, ensuring they do not affect valuable plants or turfgrass unintentionally. This broadly applicable nature is a defining aspect of nonselective herbicides, contrasting with selective herbicides, which target specific types of weeds without harming other plants.