For those of us green thumbs who love our lawns, there’s nothing uglier than lawn full of weeds.
Weeds are not only ugly, but harmful to the grass. They steal nutrients and water from the grass, and they multiply unless you control them.
That’s where weed killers come into play.
While a big part of controlling weeds involves mowing and fertilizing the grass properly, you can do everything right and still have weeds. The right weed killer can be the difference between a weed free and a weed-ridden lawn.
But not all weed killers are created equally. That’s why we’re here – to help you choose the right weed killer for you.
I’ve worked for some of the biggest lawn care companies in the country, and learned a thing or two about controlling weeds. Here we’ll round up the best weed killers for your lawn.
At a Glance – Our Top Picks.
The 8 Best Weed Killers for Yards – Reviews
Here we’ve picked the best weed killer specifically for your weed killing needs.
1) Best Weed and Feed Selective Weed Killer
Scotts Triple Action Turf Builder is a 3-in-1 weed and feed product that works to prevent and kill lawn weeds while fertilizing the grass. It comes in a granular formula and works well on northern grasses like Bluegrasses and Fescues. Scotts Triple Action can be used any time during the year. It’s effective on broadleaf weeds like dandelion and clover and grassy weeds like crabgrass.
Pros:
- One product to prevent and treat weeds, while also fertilizing the lawn for greater efficiency.
- Name-brand with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Easy to spread granular formula.
- Apply year-round.
Cons:
- Very light and dusty. Not as heavy as other types of fertilizers.
- The fertilizer portion continues to work in the high temperatures of late summer, but the weed killer components do not seem to work as well.
- Will not kill every single type of lawn weed
2) Preen Weed Preventer (Best Pre-emergent Weed Control)
Preen Weed Preventer is a pre-emergent weed control product that kills weeds before they start to grow. It can be applied any time in the spring, summer, or fall. It does not work on existing weed growth. It is safe to use on edible plants and is safe for use around nearly 200 species of flowers, vegetables, trees, and shrubs.
Pros:
- Long-lasting weed preventer that works for up to 3 months.
- Covers up to 5,000 square feet in one application.
- It can be used anytime in the spring, summer, or fall.
Cons:
- It does not kill existing weeds, so two different products may be necessary.
- Mixed reviews on effectiveness.
3) ECO Garden Organic Vinegar Weed Killer (Best Organic Weed Killer)
ECO Garden Organic Vinegar Weed Killer is a natural vinegar-based weed killer safe for use around family, pets, fish, and livestock. The acetic acid kills all undesirable weed types, including dandelions, clover, crabgrass, and general weeds. This is not a selective weed killer and should not be used on grass that you want to live.
Pros:
- Natural, vinegar-based formula won’t poison kids or pets.
- Quick-acting weed killer works in as little as 24 hours.
- Great for residential, commercial, and agricultural applications.
Cons:
- It will kill anything you spray, so be careful.
- May not be strong enough for heavy infestations or very hardy weed types.
4) Roundup for Lawns Crabgrass Destroyer (Best Crabgrass Killer)
Roundup for Lawns Crabgrass Destroyer is a selective, pre-emergent weed killer that is safe on most northern lawns. Crabgrass is a hardy, annual grassy weed. While it is technically a grass, it is not a good lawn grass and is considerably invasive established lawns. If you need crabgrass control, roundup for lawn is one of the best weed killers for you.
Pros:
- Apply anytime before seeding, including the day of.
- Visible signs within 4-7 days after application.
- Kills crabgrass and other grassy weeds down to the roots.
Cons:
- Not as versatile as other products on the market that might kill more types of weeds.
- Mixed reviews on effectiveness. May need a second application in heavily infested areas.
5) Ortho Weed B Gone (Best Broadleaf Weed Killer)
Ortho Weed B Gone broadleaf weed killer is effective against dandelions, clover, and up to 250 other species of common broadleaf yard weeds. It is a selective weed killer that shows visible results within a few hours. It takes up to fourteen days to completely kill the entire plant.
Pros:
- Works on a wide variety of weeds.
- Rainproof in one hour so it won’t wash off.
- Safe for a wide variety of grasses, including St Augustine and Bermuda.
Cons:
- Mixed reviews on effectiveness. It appears the formula could impact turfgrass, so it may not be as selective as advertised.
6) Roundup Precision Gel (Best Precision Weed Killer)
Roundup weed killer is nothing new, but Roundup’s Precision Gel is a new way to apply weed killer ideal for gardens because it is easier to target weeds while protecting nearby plants. It is a fast-acting gel solution that becomes rainproof in as little as two hours. It works best in moderate temperatures between 65 – 85 degrees.
Pros:
- Precise application method protects neighboring plants.
- Rainproof in two hours so it will not wash off with rain.
- Consumer satisfaction guarantee.
Cons:
- Innovative application process is still a bit cumbersome and could use some work.
- Not safe for lawns.
- A little slower to get the job done compared to vinegar-based products.
7) Spectracide Weed & Grass Killer (Best Non-selective Weed Killer)
Spectracide weed and grass killer is a ready-to-use, non-selective weed and grass killer. It is the best for areas like a driveway or a patio. Spectracide becomes rainfast in just fifteen minutes after application and is effective on all types of weeds and grasses.
Pros:
- Replant in just one day after spraying flower beds.
- Rainfast in fifteen minutes.
- Convenient ready-to-use spray applicator.
Cons:
- Non-selective formula is not safe for lawns or near desired plants.
- Seems to be a little slower kill weeds compared to other non-selectives.
- Spray applicator breaks easily.
8) Scotts Touch Up (Best Spot Weed Killer)
Scotts Touch Up is a ready to use spray weed killer that targets dandelions, clover, and crabgrass. It is completely safe to use on lawns and is ideal for spot treating.
Pros:
- Convenient spot treatment in a traditional spray bottle. No complicated sprayers to work.
- A selective weed killer is safe for many lawns.
Cons:
- May temporarily discolor Bermudagrass
- Small, 24 fluid ounces won’t go too far.
Buyer’s Guide
Many homeowners use weed killers to get rid of unwanted plants in the yard, driveway, sidewalks, patios, and mulch beds.
There are a number of weed types out there – from crabgrass, to thistle, to chickweed, to nutsedge to poison ivy. Different methods are needed to control weeds depending on their type.
Depending on the type of weed you are trying to control, there are different products available.
Selective vs Nonselective Weed Killers
Selective weed killers only kill certain types of weeds. Most pre-emergent herbicides and post-emergent herbicides are of this type. These are designed to only control weeds, and not kill the grass. Most lawn weed killers are of this variety.
Usually selective weed killers can cover a large area, and are either applied using a spreader or a sprayer.
Nonselective weed killers will kill anything they come in contact with. They’re often called vegetation killers for this reason.
Selective herbicides are generally best for driveway cracks or spot treatment in the lawns. Sometime these come in weed killer spray bottles, which are ready to go. Other times, they come as a grass killer concentrate, which you’ll have to mix with a gallon of water (be careful, the active ingredients include chemicals like Glyphosate, which are extremely toxic).
Pre-emergent Killers
Pre-emergent killers work by preventing the growth of weeds before they start. Many of these products are applied in the fall for early spring. It is common to find pre-emergent weed killers in multi-action, weed, and feed products.
Pre-emergent weed killers actually create a gas barrier under the soil. After weeds start germinating and begin sprouting, they hit the gas barrier and die out.
Post-emergent Killers
For pesty weeds that pop up later in the growing season, post-emergent killers can be effective at attacking and killing the weed down to the root. These are often sold in spray formulas that are either used with a pump sprayer or attached to a garden hose.
Non-selective Weed and Grass Killers
Most products that claim to be weed killers will work in a single application. In heavily infested areas or for particularly hardy weeds, a second application may be necessary. It is important to follow manufacturer instructions and wait the recommended amount of time to avoid injury to the lawn.
For more info on pre vs post-emergent, check out this video below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an all-natural weed killer for my lawn?
Weed killers are herbicides designed to kill the plants that they come into contact with. The products intended for use on a lawn is selective in that it will kill common weeds without harming the lawn grass. The only way to achieve this sort of selective application is through the use of chemicals.
The only products on the market that claim to be natural or organic are non-selective weed killers and are not appropriate for use on lawns.
Is spray or granular weed killer better?
The best weed killer depends on the application. Granular weed killers are convenient for weed and feed applications. Liquid sprays are convenient for targeted applications.
How fast does weed killer work?
Many products on the market claim to work in hours. Some discoloration may be evident within the first few days, but it typically tapes two to three weeks to fully kill the plant down to the root.
Should I do it myself or hire a professional?
You can certainly use products you buy at Home Depot and get a weed free lawn. However, when you hire a professional, you not only get expertise, you get access to better chemicals. Professionals have licenses to use more effective chemicals than you can get at Home Depot, which will generally yield better results.
What are other types of weed killers?
If you can’t find one of the ones I mentioned above, here are some other great brands:
- Compare and save Concentrate Grass
- Southern Ag
- Speed Zone
- Ortho Groundclear
- Speed Zone
- Green Gobbler Vinegar Weed Killer
Conclusion
There are many types of weed killers out there. They come in a variety of different options for different applications. The best weed killer is more about how well the product fits the application. Select a weed killer product by the type of grass or area of application, as well as the season and growth stage. Our list of best weed killers identifies suitable products in every category.
Table of Contents
