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But when that’s not practical or possible, a weed killer can do the job for you.
The Spruce
Theyll take out everything they touch.
Selective weed killers eliminate certain plants but spare others.
We tested nine different products at our homes, including a variety of weed killer types and brands.
PHOTO: The Spruce
We also considered the product’s safety, especially in homes with kids or pets.
However, it was easy to target weeds without overspray drifting onto nearby desirable plants.
We gave those a second treatment, which did the trick.
The Green Gobbler utilizes potent vinegar to kill weeds on contact in cracks and pavers.PHOTO: The Spruce
It was then very easy to remove the dead weeds by hand.
The vinegar spray is effective on a wide range of annual and perennial weeds,as well as moss.
Use it to keep your walkways, pavers, driveway, and other landscaped areas free from weeds.
We found that it took even longer to kill clover and ground ivy.
Still, it eventually got the job done, and we had nodamage to our grass.
However, do not use it on Bermuda grass, St. Augustine, or centipede grass.
Note that after program, the lawn should not be mowed for at least two days.
Once sprayed, the weed killer is rain-resistant within 6 hours.
The batteries are replaceable too, so when they run down you could keep it going with fresh batteries.
This weed killer is safe to use around pets and kids as well, which we really appreciate.
Its rain resistant within 10 minutes too.
We also used the herbicide to kill other common weeds, includingCreeping Charlieand poison ivy.
In all instances, we were impressed with the weed killer’s performance.
However, most weeds will eventually die right down to the root.
This is a concentrated formula that must be mixed with water before use.
We do love that it’s rain-resistant within just 15 minutes of software.
Ortho recommends using the product on a warm, sunny day without wind.
While these were our primary weed types, the product also kills most other broadleaf weeds.
We first started to see the treated weeds wilting and dying within two days of software.
For that, you need a pre-emergent product like this highly effective option we tested from Preen.
Once watered into the soil, it won’t wash away with further rain or watering.
The manufacturer claims the product will continue to work for up to 3 months.
The weed preventative is effective against many common weeds and grasses, including purslane, foxtail, and crabgrass.
Note that it’s a non-selective weed killer, though, so it’s not for use on lawns.
PHOTO: The Spruce
It also kills mosses, algae, and lichens.
For best results, apply the spray daily without wind and air temperatures between 50 and 85 degrees.
Once 3 hours have passed, it’s rain-resistant.
We actually got our grass back after using the Ortho Weed B-gon consistently.PHOTO: The Spruce
You’ll need to reapply it every few weeks throughout the active weed-growing season.
We included a mix of pre-emergent and post-emergent products and a mix of non-selective and selective weed killers.
Ease of Use:We started by noting how easy it was to understand and follow the products instructions.
If mixing was required, we followed the guidelines for the weed killer-to-water ratio.
If testing a granular weed killer that required a spreader, we followed the guidelines for spreader parameters.
We observed if any nearby foliage was affected or killed by the product.
We also looked for weed regrowth or new sprouts.
Value:We evaluated each weed killer’s positive and negative aspects in relation to its cost.
These are broadly divided into two groups: synthetic chemicals and natural or organic ingredients.
Both have strengths and weaknesses.
Theyre effective, but you might need to be patient and persistent.
This means that the weed killer is considered acceptable for use under organic gardening guidelines.
Our best overall pick,Green Gobbler 20-Percent Vinegar Weed & Grass Killer, is OMRI listed.
There are many different synthetic active ingredients found in weed killers.
Generally, the products instruction booklet will include a listing of susceptible weeds.
Some products might break down targeted weeds into two groups: broadleaf weeds and grassy weeds.
Another important consideration when choosing a weed killer is whether its selective or non-selective.
Our top-scoring weed killer for lawns isSouthern Ag Amine 2,4-D Weed Killer.
Spruce Power Wand Weed and Grass Killer is a non-selective herbicide that dehydrates plants.PHOTO: The Spruce
Pre-Emergent versus Post-Emergent
Most weed killers are post-emergent, killing weeds that have already sprouted.
Post-emergent weed killers, by contrast, are the clean-up crew.
These products can be ineffective if exposed to rain or sprinklers too soon after use.
Spruce Power Wand Weed and Grass Killer is a non-selective herbicide that dehydrates plants.PHOTO: The Spruce
Some are rain-resistant almost right away, while others require several hours before they are unaffected by rain.
Results Rate
You cant beat simply removing weeds by hand for the fastest results.
In fact, youll see results in just a couple of hours withSpectracide Weed & Grass Killer Concentrate.
Other weed killers might take a day or so before you get going to see signs of weed death.
Youll know this has happened once the weed is completely brown and dry.
program Ease
It shouldnt require a lot of fuss and bother to use a weed killer.
Some options include a battery-powered spray handlelike theOrtho GroundClear Weed & Grass Killerto eliminate almost all the effort.
Others require a little more preparation.
The product instructions should specify the right setting for your spreader.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Michelle Ullmanis a writer for The Spruce, specializing in home improvement products, landscaping/gardening supplies, and tools.
She also considered feedback from customers, both positive and negative, about each of our recommended products.
Our experts:
Invasive Plant Profile: Japanese Knotweed.
781, 2019, pp.
- doi:10.1016/j.mrrev.2019.02.001
Advice about Vinegar.
Questions and Answers on Glyphosate.U.S.
Food and Drug Administration.
United States Environmental Protection Agency.
PHOTO: The Spruce
The Spectracide Grass Concentrate gets to work in just a few hours killing weeds.PHOTO: The Spruce
PHOTO: The Spruce
The Ortho Ground Clear makes it easy to get rid of weeds living in rocks, gravel, or concrete.PHOTO: The Spruce
PHOTO: The Spruce
The Southern Ag Weed Killer is potent and powerful against even the toughest weeds.PHOTO: The Spruce
PHOTO: The Spruce
We saw amazing improvement after using the Preen Preventer on our mulched beds.PHOTO: The Spruce
PHOTO: Sunday
PHOTO: Amazon
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Pre-emergent granulars are sprinkled onto the ground where you want to ward off weeds.The Spruce
