Top 5 Weed Killers
Best For Gravel: RM43 43% Glyphosate Plus Weed Preventer Most Customizable: Spectracide Weed & Grass Killer Best For Multiple Weed Types: Roundup All-in-One Weed Killer For Lawns Best For Flower Beds: Ortho GroundClear Weed & Grass Killer Best Vinegar Weed Killer: Green Gobbler Weed & Grass Killer
Best For Gravel: RM43 43% Glyphosate Plus Weed Preventer
This weed killer contains 43% glyphosate. This ingredient kills any plants it comes into contact with, so it works best for weeds on pavement or gravel. With one gallon of concentrated liquid for over 17,000 square feet, this product will protect a large area.
Key Features
Comes in a one-gallon bottle of concentrate Treats 17,297 square feet for up to a year Rainproof within two hours Kills weeds Works on surfaces without vegetation
What Customers Are Saying
Those who left positive reviews said that this weed killer worked well on large areas and was simple to use. However, dissatisfied customers said that it took too long to kick in or that it was as effective as cheaper, generic brands.
Most Customizable: Spectracide Weed & Grass Killer
This concentrated weed killer produces visual results within three hours of application on driveways, fences, flower beds, shrubs, and other surfaces. With multiple size and quantity options, your purchase can be customized to meet the specific needs of your yard.
Key Features
Comes in a 64-ounce bottle of concentrate Available in other bottle sizes and quantities Rainproof after 15 minutes Shows results in as little as three hours Kills weeds and grasses Works on driveways, walkways, fences, trees, flower beds, shrubs, and more
What Customers Are Saying
Happy customers said that this product was long-lasting, fast-working, and persistent with tough weeds. However, other reviewers claimed that it caused damage to lawns and that it didn’t work as advertised.
Best For Multiple Weed Types: Roundup All-in-One Weed Killer For Lawns
With the ability to kill over 250 types of weeds, including crabgrass, dandelions, and clovers, this weed killer eliminates almost every type of plant pest in your garden. This weed killer doesn’t damage lawns either, allowing you to spray it directly on grass or flower beds.
Key Features
Comes in a 1.33-gallon spray bottle Available in ready-to-spray and concentrate bottles Rainproof in as little as three hours Kills Northern grasses
What Customers Are Saying
Those who liked this weed killer said that it was easy to spread and killed multiple types of plants with a minimal amount of spray. Dissatisfied customers didn’t like that it contained toxic ingredients.
Best For Flower Beds: Ortho GroundClear Weed & Grass Killer
With visible results in just 15 minutes, this weed killer can eliminate unwanted plants from your flower bed or garden in a snap. This spray starts working immediately on all types of weeds and grasses.
Key Features
Comes in a one-gallon spray bottle Rainproof within two hours Shows results in 15 minutes Kills weeds and grasses Works on hardscapes, landscape beds, and vegetable gardens
What Customers Are Saying
Satisfied customers said that this weed killer worked quickly, didn’t kill wanted plants, and featured a simple-to-operate nozzle and wand. However, other customers said that it didn’t eliminate all of their weeds even after going through the entire bottle.
Best Vinegar Weed Killer: Green Gobbler Weed & Grass Killer
Without using harsh chemicals or glyphosate, this product is effective on surfaces ranging from sidewalks to flower beds. It provides visual results within 24 hours with its pet-friendly and non-toxic formula.
Key Features
Comes in a one-gallon spray bottle Shows results within 24 hours Kills crabgrass, dandelions, clovers, and more Works on mulch beds, sidewalks, driveways, flower beds, and more
What Customers Are Saying
Customers who left positive reviews liked that this product was inexpensive and safe for families with children and pets. Dissatisfied customers said that it left an unpleasant smell and caused damage to wood surfaces.
Buyer’s Guide
Not all weed killers work well for every surface or weed. Here are several factors to consider when determining which weed killer is best for your lawn.
Type
Different types of weed killers are recommended for different types of plants and areas of application. Here are some common types of weed killers to look out for.
Contact
This type of weed killer kills plants as soon as it makes contact with them. Contact weed killers don’t attack the root system, but they weaken weeds after multiple uses. This type of weed killer is effective for annual weeds that consistently reappear.
Systemic
Systemic weed killers are applied directly to the foliage of a plant. They take several weeks to start working, but they fight the plant’s internal root system. This type of weed killer is good for plants that are difficult to kill, such as dandelions and poison ivy.
Residual
These weed killers poison soil, killing all plants within the treated area. They can be long-lasting, so it’s best to avoid using this type of weed killer in areas that contain edible plants.
Emergence
Emergence refers to how far along in the weed’s growth cycle that weed killer needs to be applied. Some weed killers are pre-emergent, meaning they should be applied to prevent weeds from growing. Post-emergent weed killers are used for weeds that have already sprouted. They kill the plant while also ensuring it doesn’t grow back.
Selectivity
If you’re using a weed killer on flower beds or gardens, it’s critical to look for selective weed killers, as they avoid beneficial plants and solely target weeds. Meanwhile, non-selective weed killers destroy all plants in the vicinity.
How do weed killers work?
Generally, weed killers are herbicides that interfere with weed growth by either destroying their root formation or restricting the growth and development of their cells, causing them to eventually die.
Are weed killers dangerous around pets?
It depends on the weed killer. Some aren’t safe for households with pets, while others are safe once they’re dry. The safest option is a weed killer with an organic formula.
How long does it take for weed killers to work?
Typical weed killers will take anywhere from two to six weeks to fully kill the root of a plant. Certain types of herbicides will produce faster results, but these herbicides kill the flowering part of the plant and not its root system.
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