What to Look for in a Weed Killer
Targeted Plants
Not all weed killers target the same plant species. If you need to kill weeds in your lawn, look for a selective formula that doesn’t kill grass along with the weeds. For a vegetable garden, make sure your chosen product is approved for use around edible plants. If you prefer to get rid of all vegetation, a non-selective formula is the best way to go. Our best for flower beds pick, the Fertilome Over The Top Grass Killer is an example of a selective formula that can be used around flower beds and vegetable gardens, as well as driveways and walkways. If you want a weed killer that you can use on a hardscape, where you are not worried about killing other plants or grass, the Ortho GroundClear Year Long Vegetation Killer is your best bet.
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Longevity
Do you want your weed killer to work once, or would you prefer a formula that keeps vegetation from growing back for up to a few months? Or better yet, do you want a product that keeps weeds from growing in the first place, like our best pre-emergent pick, the Preen Garden Weed Preventer and Plant Food? Check product information carefully so you’ll know which kind of formula you are getting, especially if you are using a non-selective formula and plan to introduce new plants into the area.
Type of Substance
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When choosing a weed killer, it’s important to ensure that the type is appropriate for the area where you wish to apply it and that the application method—concentrated, ready-to-use, or granule—is the best choice. If you lack a backpack sprayer or pump sprayer, you may want to avoid a concentrate. If you just have a few spots to hit, a ready-to-use spray is the easiest to use. Granules are perfect for large lawns, especially if you have a spreader handy.
Toxicity
Herbicides vary in toxicity. Glyphosate is one of the best-known weed killers and has recently been identified as harmful to our waterways and health. Some ingredients, such as vinegar, are eco-friendly but still harmful! It’s important to remember that herbicides are meant to destroy plant tissue, so always use caution when applying near non-targeted plants.
Plants to Avoid
Most herbicides meant for use in the lawn are selective, meaning they kill only weeds but not your grass. But you can still overdo it and burn your grass, so make sure you follow the label instructions. Certain grass species, such as St. Augustine, tend to be more susceptible than other grasses to herbicides, and many lawn products are not recommended for them. While weed identification is tough, knowing what you have helps.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was written by Amanda Rose Newton, a freelance writer and garden reviewer for The Spruce. As a certified horticulturist, she delighted in personally testing out the products to provide advice to those with different needs, yards, and priorities when it comes to weed control.
To make this list, Newton tested each product over the course of a month on different spots in the yard. She also considered the difficulty in application and the chemicals used, and tested rain resistance. Jenica Currie, associate commerce editor for The Spruce, updated this list and added more testing insights.
Source: https://gardencourte.com
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