Does your perfect lawn dream look more like a patchy battlefield against stubborn invaders? You spend hours mowing, watering, and nurturing your grass, only to see unwelcome visitors like dandelions and crabgrass popping up everywhere. It’s frustrating! Choosing the right grass and weed killer can feel like navigating a maze. Do you need a product that targets only the weeds, or one that feeds your grass too? The labels are confusing, and you worry about accidentally harming your beautiful turf.
This confusion stops today. We cut through the jargon and break down exactly what you need to know. By the end of this guide, you will confidently understand the different types of weed killers available and which one is the best weapon for your yard’s specific fight. Get ready to reclaim your green space and enjoy a healthier, weed-free lawn all season long. Let’s dive into mastering your weed control strategy!
Top Grass And Weed Killer Recommendations
- KILLS WEEDS AND GRASSES: Use on driveways and walkways, and around fences, trees, flower beds, shrubs and other listed areas
- ACCUSHOT SPRAYER: Includes continuous power sprayer with extendable wand
- KILLS THE ROOT: Visible results as fast as 3 hours — replant new flowers, trees and shrubs the same weekend
- RAINFAST: Rainfall or watering 15 minutes after application will not wash away effectiveness
- Roundup Weed & Grass Killer₄ kills tough weeds and grasses to the root, including dandelion, crabgrass, poison ivy, clover (red & white), spotted spurge, and other broadleaf weeds
- It is rainproof in as fast as 30 minutes and produces visible results in hours
- Allows for planting 1 to 30 days after application (see booklet for details)
- Use in or around flower beds and perennial landscape plants, around trees and shrubs, on patios, walkways, and driveways, gravel, or mulch beds, along fences and foundations, and edging around foundations and retaining walls
- The Pump ‘N Go 2 Sprayer with an extendable wand provides up to 10 minutes of continuous spray and provides greater accuracy without bending over
- Roundup Dual Action 365 Weed & Grass Killer Plus 12 Month Preventer with Comfort Wand provides one-step weed protection for up to 12 months
- Our weed control kills and prevents many types of tough weeds and grasses for up to 12 months, including clover, dandelion, large and smooth crabgrass, poison ivy, and other broadleaf weeds, grassy weeds and brush
- Roundup Dual Action 365 Weed & Grass Killer Plus 12 Month Preventer with Comfort Wand is rainproof in as fast as 30 minutes and produces visible results in hours
- Use this weed preventer where you want to kill existing weeds AND prevent new weeds for up to 1 year, such as cracks and crevices in driveways, sidewalks, and walkways, patios, paths, and under decks, gravel areas, and other non-lawn areas
- The easy-to-use Comfort Wand with one-touch continuous spray means no more tired, aching hands
- KILLS WEEDS AND GRASSES: Use on driveways and walkways, and around fences, trees, flower beds, shrubs and other areas in your yard
- FAST-ACTING FORMULA: Visible results as fast as 3 hours – replant new flowers, trees and shrubs the same weekend
- RAINFAST: Rainfall or watering 15 minutes after application will not wash away effectiveness
- READY TO USE: Spray to completely cover the leaves of the target vegetation
- KILLS THE ROOT: Kills weeds and grasses as listed
- Effective Weed & Grass Killer: Targets and eliminates all weeds and grasses, including dandelions, chickweed, crabgrass, and moss, providing comprehensive coverage for your outdoor spaces
- Fast-Acting Weed Control: Absorbs on contact to produce results in just 15 minutes, allowing you to reclaim your outdoor spaces including walkways and driveways, under trees, and in landscape beds
- Rainproof in 2 Hours: Once dry, the formula becomes rainproof in 2 hours, ensuring that your efforts are not washed away by unexpected weather
- OMRI Listed for Organic Use: For effective control, apply when weeds are small, actively growing and not wet from rain, dew or irrigation; not for use on lawns
- Comfort Wand for Easy Application: This 1 gal. container of Ortho GroundClear Weed & Grass Killer includes an ergonomic Comfort Wand to easily target weeds you want to kill
- ACCUSHOT REFILL: For use with the AccuShot Continuous Power Sprayer (sold separately with Spectracide Weed & Grass Killer)
- KILLS WEEDS AND GRASSES: Use on driveways and walkways, and around fences, trees, flower beds, shrubs and other areas in your yard
- FAST-ACTING FORMULA: Visible results as fast as 3 hours — replant new flowers, trees and shrubs after just 1 day
- RAINFAST: Rainfall or watering 15 minutes after application will not wash away effectiveness
- KILLS THE ROOT: Kills weeds and grasses as listed — completely cover the leaves of the target vegetation
- Rainproof in 2 hours
- Visible results in as little as 2 to 4 days
- Contains 41-percent glyphosate
- Covers over 25,000 square feet
- Makes up to 85 gal. of ready-to-use spray. Note: Packaging may vary
Your Guide to Choosing the Best Grass and Weed Killer
Weeds can quickly take over your lawn and garden. A good weed killer helps you keep your outdoor space looking neat. This guide will help you pick the right product for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for weed killer, several features matter most. Look closely at these points to make a smart choice.
1. Selective vs. Non-Selective
- Selective Weed Killers: These products kill specific weeds but leave your desirable grass unharmed. They are best for lawns.
- Non-Selective Weed Killers: These kill almost all plants they touch, including grass. Use these for driveways, patios, or bare ground areas.
2. Speed of Action
Some weed killers work very fast, showing results in just a few hours. Others take several days. Decide if you need a quick fix or if a slower, deeper kill is okay.
3. Residual Effect
Some products keep working in the soil for weeks, stopping new weeds from growing. Others only kill the weeds present at the time of spraying. Think about whether you want long-term prevention or just immediate cleanup.
Important Ingredients and Materials
The chemicals in the bottle determine how the product works. Understanding the main types helps you choose safely and effectively.
Chemical Types
- Glyphosate: This is a common non-selective killer. It kills almost everything it touches. It works systemically, meaning it travels through the plant to the roots.
- 2,4-D, Dicamba, MCPP: These are common ingredients in selective killers. They target broadleaf weeds (like dandelions) without harming grass blades.
- Natural Options: Look for products based on vinegar or citrus oils. These are often faster acting but usually only burn the tops of the weeds; they rarely kill the roots.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of your weed killer depends on how well it handles tough situations and how easy it is to use.
Factors That Improve Quality:
- Rainfastness: A good formula sticks to the leaves quickly. If rain comes soon after spraying, a rainfast product still works well.
- Concentrate vs. Ready-to-Use (RTU): Concentrates often offer better value for large areas, but RTU bottles save you mixing time.
- Systemic Action: Products that move to the roots provide a permanent kill, which improves overall quality compared to surface-level killers.
Factors That Reduce Quality:
- Temperature Sensitivity: Some chemicals only work well when the weather is warm. If you spray when it’s too cold, the product might not work at all.
- Poor Spreader/Sticker Additives: If the spray doesn’t coat the weed leaves evenly, the weed killer will be less effective.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you plan to use the product affects your choice. Consider where you need to spray and who might be near the area.
Application Scenarios
- Lawn Repair: Use a selective spray to target clover patches without damaging your existing turf.
- Hardscaping (Patios/Walkways): A non-selective, fast-acting spray works best here to clear cracks quickly.
- Around Shrubs/Beds: Be extremely careful. Only use spot treatments or natural products near desired plants, as drift can harm them easily.
Always read the label! The label tells you exactly which plants the product kills and how long you must wait before planting seeds or letting pets onto the treated area. Good preparation leads to a better result.
10 Frequently Asked Questions About Grass and Weed Killers
Q: How fast will I see results after spraying?
A: Results vary by product. Natural vinegars often show effects in hours. Chemical systemic products might take 7 to 14 days for the plant to completely die back.
Q: Can I use lawn weed killer on my vegetable garden?
A: Never use lawn weed killer in or near vegetable gardens unless the label specifically says it is safe for that use. Many chemicals harm edible plants.
Q: What is the best time of day to spray?
A: Spray early in the morning or late in the evening. Avoid spraying during the hottest part of the day when the sun is strongest, as the product can evaporate too quickly.
Q: Will rain wash away the weed killer?
A: Most modern formulas require one to four hours of dry time to work properly. Check the label for the specific “rainfast” window.
Q: Do I need to wear special protective gear?
A: Yes. Always wear long pants, long sleeves, gloves, and eye protection. This keeps chemicals off your skin and eyes.
Q: What if the weed killer doesn’t kill the roots?
A: If the top of the weed dies but it grows back, you need a systemic weed killer. Systemic products move the poison down into the root system for a complete kill.
Q: Are natural weed killers always safer?
A: Natural killers are often safer for the environment and pets once dry. However, they can still cause skin or eye irritation, and they often require repeat applications.
Q: How long should I wait before mowing after spraying?
A: Wait at least two to three days after applying most chemical treatments before mowing. This gives the product time to be absorbed by the weeds.
Q: Can I mix grass killer with fertilizer?
A: Generally, no. Mixing chemicals can change how they work or make them ineffective. Always apply fertilizer and weed killer separately, following the instructions for each product.
Q: What should I do with leftover weed killer?
A: Do not pour leftovers down the drain or toilet. Look for local household hazardous waste collection events in your community for safe disposal.