Sometimes landscaping calls for getting rid of grass as well as weeds. But there are a ton of products on shelves these days, so how are you to know which works for your job without testing?
That’s where our team of lawn and garden experts comes in!
Whether you need long term, chemical control or just a quick blast to remove vegetation we’re here to tell you all about the 5 best grass killers for every job.
Top Grass Killers – Reviews
!. RM43 43-Percent Glyphosate Plus Weed Preventer Total Vegetation Control
The ultimate in long term grass killers, RM43 is incredibly effective and will kill most plants within 3-5 days. Just mix 5 parts water with 1-part RM43 to cover large areas and keep it clear for up to a year.
Follow the label exactly, because glyphosate is toxic and requires special handling and care when applying. It will also corrode metal fencing including those with galvanized coatings.
Specifications:
- Glyphosate and isopropylamine sale solution
- Covers 17,297 square feet
- Kills vegetation and prevents growth for 1 year
Pros:
- Kills and prevents regrowth
- Quick and effective
- Little goes a long way
Cons:
- Toxic, use caution
- Corrodes metal
2. Green Gobbler Vinegar Weed & Grass Killer | Natural and Organic Weed & Grass Killer
Folks who need an effective, but family safe grass killer should check out Green Gobbler.
The powerful corrosive solution shows results in hours, with full desiccation in a day. It needs to be paired with a preventer to keep vegetation gone more permanently.
But it does not toxify soil for future plant growth, meaning you can put those fruit trees and ornamentals in immediately after application.
Specifications:
- Acetic acid (vinegar) and water solution
- Certified for organic use
- Covers 1,200 square feet
Pros:
- Exceptionally fast and effective
- All-natural, non-hormonal
- Pet and child safe
- Ready to use
Cons:
- Doesn’t prevent regrowth
- Covers little ground
- Moderately expensive
3. Roundup 5235010 Ready-To-Use Extended Control Weed & Grass Killer Plus Weed Preventer II with Comfort Wand
Roundup’s Extended formula provides another long-lasting grass killer. The highly effective glyphosate mix comes ready to use and equipped with a convenient spray nozzle.
Unfortunately, this particular formula does not cover much ground. It is best used for small areas, or the price will quickly become prohibitive.
Specifications:
- Glysophate and isopropylamine salt solution
- Covers 600 square feet
- Kills grass and prevents regrowth for 4 months
Pros:
- Kills and prevents
- Quick and effective
- Ready to use
Cons:
- Covers very little ground
- Toxic, use caution
- Corrodes metal
4. Compare-N-Save 016869 Concentrate Grass and Weed Killer, 41-Percent Glyphosate
Sometimes you have to much ground to cover to spend big bucks on grass killers. A single gallon can cover more than a half-acre!
But, as many bargain brands prove to be, Comapare-N-Save doesn’t quite have the effectiveness of the name brands. In some cases, less is more.
It makes a great budget buy though, and when properly mixed you get 85 gallons of spray for under $30.
Specifications:
- Glysophate and isopropylamine salt solution
- Covers 25,000 square feet
- Kills grass in 2-4 days
Pros:
- Incredibly inexpensive
- Little goes a long way
Cons:
- Less potent, lower concentration
- Toxic, use caution
- Corrodes metal
5. Green Light Amaze Grass and Weed Preventer
Gardeners seeking weed and grass control measures that are glyphosate-free should consider Green Light’s granular grass and weed preventer.
Simply mix it in with the topsoil and stop seeds from sprouting for months. It won’t cover a larger area cheaply, but neither will it leach into the soil or damage plants.
Specifications:
- Benefin and oryzalin granules
- Covers 5,000 square feet
- Prevents germination for 4 months
Pros:
- Prevents growth
- Won’t harm existing plants
Cons:
- Doesn’t kill vegetation
- Moderately expensive
Buyers Guide
What Kind of Grass Killer Do You Need?
Grass killers
When it comes to killing the already sprouted grass, grass killers are the way to go. The most common form is a spray, or concentrated liquid meant to be diluted in water.
Some use extreme desiccation to kill (like vinegars and salts), while others use chemicals that spread even into the roots to destroy the vegetation’s ability to sustain itself.
However, unless a product specifies that it also prevents growth, you may have to reapply if seeds germinate and runners spread from living patches.
Another term for this type is also “post-emergent” weed and grass killer.
Grass preventers
To remove grass and keep it away, you may also need a grass preventer or “pre-emergent” grass killer. Many of the more toxic grass killers, like glyphosate sprays, also prevent regrowth for a period of time.
You can also find granular grass preventers that you mix into topsoil. These can be paired with grass killers to remove and then prevent seeds of weeds and grasses from germinating.
Grass preventing fabrics are time consuming and get expensive when used over larger areas but may be appropriate for small patches or landscaping.
Longevity
Do you want a solution that keeps working for up to a year past application? Glyphosate based vegetation control options can offer long term solutions to unwanted grass and weeds.
However, if you want to be able to plant anything in or around the area you removed the grass from, you’ll want to steer clear of the long-term grass killers.
The longer a grass killer prevents growth, the more likelihood the residual chemicals will kill or retard the growth of any vegetation you try to plant.
For those seeking to clear the area before using it for other crops or ornamentals, try product like Green Gobbler to remove the unwanted vegetation and not toxify the soil.
How to Kill Grass Without Using Grass Killers
Kill it with fire
Because who says weeding can’t be fun? And burning unwanted vegetation away has never been easier with the innovation of weed torches.
Red Dragon makes weed torches in a variety of sizes, from light to heavy-duty. They are great for spot killing, gravel, and driveways.
Don’t forget to wear protective equipment and have extinguishers on hand. This method is not recommended for high drought areas.
Pour boiling water on it
For smaller areas of grass, you don’t need any fancy equipment at all – just a pot of boiling water!
This method is particularly effective as it kills both roots and above ground growth. But we advise caution and protective clothing, as boiling water can give you nasty burns if spilled.
Make your own customized grass killer blend
For the thrifty, or those with very specific needs you may want to make your own concoction.
In their video Mix 94.1 lays out a how to use easy to find ingredients around the home to make a soap, salt, and vinegar mixture. Soap clings to the plant, and the acid and desiccant do their work!
A simple, long lasting solution can also be made with just salt and water. An excellent video from How to Home shows how and what type of salt can be mixed into an easy spray.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often will I need to apply grass killers?
Depending on which product you choose, the frequency of application will change considerably.
Glyphosate based products usually cannot be used more than once a year, whereas natural grass killers have fewer restriction.
Always follow the instruction provided by the manufacturer as closely as possible, or you risk toxifying soil or even harming nearby plants and animals.
I want to use grass killers around crops – which is best?
For use around edible plants, we recommend an all-natural grass killer. Though they are non-selective and kills anything they touch, they do not leach into soil or water and are safe for use around pets and children.
Which grass killers are safest to handle?
Most grass killers are toxic or corrosive to some degree, and therefore dangerous. Liquids and sprays are hardest to control.
But granular grass preventers like Green Light, though also somewhat toxic, are a much easier to handle and put exactly where you want it. No need to gauge wind speeds or wear a mask.
Your other options for exceptionally safe to handle grass killers are homemade brews (usually with salt, soap, and vinegar), or preventers like barrier fabrics.
Conclusion
The most effective and long-lasting grass killer is RM43. It covers large swaths for a reasonable price and keeps it clear for the next year. Nothing else even comes close!
But our favorite runner up is Green Gobbler, with its super-fast acting acidic formula. Though it covers a much smaller area, the peace of mind of a pet and child safe formula is well worth the extra money.
We hope our reviews and handy tips will help take the fuss and confusion out of your landscaping.
Happy de-grassing!
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