Our top choice was Spectracide Weed and Grass Killer Concentrate. Here are our top picks for the best weed killers. Coming in a 64-ounce container, you must dilute it first and then apply it with a tank sprayer. Alternatively, the same formula comes in a pre-mixed ready-to-use spray format. To achieve the best success and reduce spray drift, apply it during warm, sunny days with minimal wind. Price at time of publish: $43 Once diluted and sprayed, it kills weeds fully within three days, with visible results apparent within 30 minutes. It should be noted that 2,4-D is toxic to people and pets, so it is recommended that you avoid the sprayed area for 24 hours. Price at time of publish: $19 Since this product kills weeds at the roots, you should see results the same day; noticeable weed demise within 30 minutes has been reported. Perfect for northern and southern grass types, the formula is rainproof within an hour. Price at time of publish: $11 Gordon’s works best when you mow grass two days before or after applying the product and when rain is absent in the forecast. Unfortunately, this product is not rainproof, so it might not be as effective for locations with significant rainfall. Pets and children must avoid sprayed areas. Price at time of publish: $41 The standout feature is how easily the product spreads. The bottle is designed with a convenient shaker cap: Just shake it over the intended area, add water, and you are done. Also, you needn’t worry about timing, as you can apply Preen at any point during the year. It is also safe to use around vegetables, bulbs, and over 200 other flowering plants. Price at time of publish: $36 You can use it as more than just a herbicide: Combine it with miticides, pesticides, and fungicides, offering the same increased absorption power. Coming in at under $20 for a 16-ounce concentrate, you can get dozens of (doses?) applications out of a single container. Price at time of publish: $19 Nor is rain a concern since Ortho Weed Clear is rainproof and ready to go in under an hour. It takes care of more than 200 broadleaf species, including tough-to-kill dandelions and crabgrass. The formula includes 2,4-D, so use caution in areas with heavy foot traffic. Price at time of publish: $23 You can use this formula in and around vegetable gardens, flower beds, tree rings, and mulched beds, as well as on cracks in driveways, walkways, and patios. It is not rainproof, so it is best applied on days rain is not in the forecast. Mowing beforehand is also recommended. Price at time of publish: $30 We tested this natural weed killer and successfully used it on driveways, sidewalks, concrete, mulch, and flower beds. You can expect to see visible results in less than 24 hours, and the manufacturer offers a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee. Because it is vinegar based, it is not weed-specific and can harm all grass and plants. Make sure you use it only in areas where weeds are present, not plants you want to keep. Price at time of publish: $30 In addition to killing growing vegetation, it also prevents new weeds for up to a year. The formula is rainfast in one hour. You can buy it in assorted sizes, including one with a handy wand applicator, best suited for targeting hard-to-reach cracks and crevices. Price at time of publish: $28 You can use this herbicide on walkways, driveways, and beside buildings and fences to kill weeds, grasses, vines, and brush. The formula contains no glyphosate. It is rainproof two hours after application—though the manufacturer recommends applying it on a warm, sunny day, with no rainfall anticipated for 24 hours. You should see results in 2 to 4 days, as it kills the weeds down to the roots. Make sure your grass and nearby plants are on the safe list provided in the label instructions. Not for use on St. Augustine grass. Price at time of publish: $13 Roundup Pro comes in 2.5-gallon jugs, and its mix rate is 1 to 10.5 ounces per gallon of water, depending on the type of weed you are treating. You should use it only in clean stainless steel or plastic sprayers and wear protective clothing while applying the powerful solution. Note that glyphosate needs extreme care when handling and should not be used in areas regularly visited by pets and children. Price at time of publish: $374
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? Check product information carefully so you 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
When choosing a weed killer, it’s important to ensure that the type is appropriate for the area where ou 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 linked as harmful to our waterways and health. Some chemicals, such as vinegar, are natural 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 values when it comes to weed control. Some herbicides are non-selective, which means they kill all plants they encounter. (Round-Up, a glyphosate-based herbicide, is a widely available type of non-selective weed killer.) Most gardeners prefer selective weed killers, which affect only the growth of targeted species. They are used mostly for broadleaf weed control. Organic weed killer may be a better option since its compounds tend to break down more rapidly and are absorbed by the ground. However, it is still important to read the directions for use and consider the warning label on any products you use since the potential effects can vary based on the active ingredients of each formula. To make this list, Amanda Rose tested each over the course of a month on different spots in the yard. She also considered the difficulty in application, chemicals used, and tested rain resistance.
