Do you want to have the perfect garden this year?
Well, it won’t happen if you have those pesky and deadly weeds in it!
So, how do you destroy weeds?
Should you use weed killers?
If so, what weed killer is best for your garden?
Buying weed killers is not as easy as you think. There are a lot of factors that must be taken into account if you don’t want to kill your garden.
So, after much research, shopping, and talking to experts in the field, I have created 10 BEST Weed Killers For Your Yard & Garden (2019).
What is a Weed?
When deciding the best weed killer for your garden, you must first have an understanding of what a weed is.
The reason that this is so important is that different weeds will require different weed killers.
Types of Weed
Weeds can reduce the look of your garden and lawn.
In addition, weeds can compete for light, water, and land with your plants. Even worse they can spread quickly over your yard and kill your plants.
While they may go dormant in the winter, weeds can come back in vengeance in spring, and their seeds can take over your yard in a matter of days.
There are two types of weed.
The two types of weeds are monocot weeds which emerge from soil with a single seed leaf and dicot weeds which emerge from the ground with two leaves.
Depending on the type of weed you will need different weed killers.
Also, weeds can be annuals, perennials, and biennials.
Annual weeds come once a year and then die. Biennial weeds come two years in a row and then die. And perennial weeds come a year and after year. Perennial weeds are some of the most critical weeds to kill.
Monocot and dicot weeds can be broken down into broadleaf, grassy, and crabgrass.
Broadleaf weeds grow in patchy parts where grass may not be doing well. Some examples of this are chickweed, dandelions, and poison ivy.
Grassy weeds and crabgrass multiply and look like grass. They can go dormant and come back again.
3 Factors to Consider When Purchasing Best Weed Killers
Before you decide what weed killer is best for your garden it is critical to have an understanding of what factors you should consider when purchasing.
1. Weed Killer Coverage
When determining what weed killer to purchase it is important to understand how much coverage is needed.
Highly concentrated weed killers are only needed in small quantities. This type of weed killer is not only cheaper but can be used right away.
Less concentrated weed killers are needed in much greater quantities. This type of weed killer is more expensive, tends to need to be mixed first, and can cover a greater area.
2. Selectivity
Selectivity is the important factor for beginners when purchasing weed killer. It can either make your garden great or kill it.
In simple terms, selective fertilizers will only kill specific weeds and those weeds only.
Unselective fertilizers will kill weeds, grass, vegetation, and anything else around it. This means this weed killer can literally kill your entire garden.
3. Residual Effect
The final factor to consider when determining the best weed killer for your garden is the residual effect it has.
Some weed killers kill once and then stop. Others stunt plant or weed growth. And some are even toxic.
I always recommend staying away from toxic weed killers. Even though these weed killers are sometimes the most effective they can have lasting effects on you and the environment.
I also typically recommend purchasing a weed killer that will stunt weed growth for at least 3 months thereafter.
Types of Best Weed Killers
A wise man once said if you want to complete a task once then do it right the first time.
If you want to kill the weed the first time then make sure you use the correct type of weed killer.
Preplant weed killers should be used before you plant the garden and immediately after the last frost.
Pre-emergent weed killers prevent the root system from growing properly and emerging from the soil.
Post-emergent weed killers should be used to kill weeds after they have emerged from the soil.
Another option that can be used instead of weed killers is vinegar. Vinegar is all natural and non-toxic. While it can kill weeds, it has been proven to be effective only temporarily.
If you decide you do not want to use weed killers you can also kill emerged weeds with a weed whacker.
If you want an excellent weed whacker at a reasonable price then purchase one of these from Amazon.
10 Best Weeds Killers (Least Expensive to Most Expensive)
1. Spectracide Weed Stop ($7)
Spectracide Weed Stop is one of the best weed killers for gardeners who want to kill weeds at the root.
This type of weed killer can kill over 250 weeds including broadleaf, crabgrass, dandelions, and chickweeds.
If you have a large garden or property this is perfect for you. It can be applied for you up to 5,000 square feet.
After application expect to see results within 8 hours!
Pros
- Ready to Use
- Covers large area
- Will not kill your lawn
Cons
- Must apply when no rain is forecasted
- Is not as strong as other weed killers
2. Spectracide Weed & Feed ($8)
Spectracide weed and feed is a great option for gardeners who want to kill weeds while fertilizing their garden.
This is a no-mix weed killer that is ready to use as soon as you purchase it.
Spectracide weed and feed kill major broadleaf weeds. Some of the best weeds it kills are dandelions, chickweeds, and clover.
Best of all is that it can cover up to 7,500 square feet!
Pros
- Covers large area – 7,500 square feet
- Ready to use and no mixing
- Feeds lawn
Cons
- Does not kill as many weeds as other fertilizers
3. Natural Armor Weed and Grass Killer ($16)
Natural Armor and Weed Killer is a great option for gardeners who want to use all-natural and non-toxic herbicide.
This product kills over 250 different types of weeds and results can be seen as early as 24 hours.
It comes ready to use and just apply it to where you don’t want weeds.
My favorite part about this weed killer is that it offers a money-back guarantee!
Pros
- Money-back guarantee
- Kills over 250 weeds
Cons
- Kills grass and other plants
4. Ortho Weed Killer ($16)
If you are looking for a very selective weed killer then Ortho is for you.
Ortho kills creeping charlie and wild violets (among other weeds) at the root.
This type of weed killer won’t harm your lawn or garden and is rainproof after 6 hours. In addition, it will cover 6,400 square feet worth of weeds.
Pros
- Rainproof
- Kills weeds at the root
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- Very selective with weeds it kills
- Better options
5. Preen Weed Preventer ($19)
Preen may be my favorite weed preventer on this list.
This product is ideal for use around established and transplanted plants.
While it can be used to cover only 805 sq. feet, it prevents over 600 weeds!
Also, once applied this weed preventer and fertilizer can last up to 6 months! This is perfect for beginner gardeners who do not want to waste time weeding.
Pros
- Prevents over 600 weeds
- Lasts up to 6 months
Cons
- Small coverage area
- Does not kill existing weeds
6. Compare and Save Weed Killer ($20)
Compare and Save Weed Killer may not be a brand you often hear of, but it produces a great product.
This type of weed killer is very potent and shows results as quickly as 2 to 4 days. The downside of this product is that it does contain glyphosate.
Also, you can apply this up to 2 hours before the rain and have it still be effective.
Best of all is that it can cover 25,000 square feet and kills all weeds at the root.
Pro
- 25,000 sq. foot coverage
- Makes 85 gallons
- Very effective
Cons
- Contains glyphosate
- Results take several days
7. Roundup Extended Weed Killer ($25)
In my opinion, this is the most effective weed killer on this list.
Roundup Extended Control kills existing weeds at the root and prevents new for up to 4 months.
Not only this, but it is rainproof in 10 minutes. And results can be seen in as little as 6 hours.
Another benefit that separates this from other weed killers is that it is easy to refill.
Pros
- Prevents new weeds for up to 4 months
- Rain Proof in 10 minutes
- Results are seen in as little as 6 hours
Cons
- No cons
8. Green Gobbler Weed Killer ($27)
Green Gobbler is one of the few organic options on this list.
It is made with 20% acetic acid (vinegar), which is 4 times stronger than table vinegar.
It is safe to use around all parts of your yard and kills crabgrass, dandelions, clover, and moss and results can be seen in 24 hours.
Best of all is that Green Gobbler offers a 30-day money back guarantee.
Pros
- Organic
- Money Back Guarantee
Cons
- Temporarily effective
- Expensive
9. Ortho Weed B Gon ($32)
Ortho Weed B Gon is another great choice for anyone looking to kill weeds in their yard.
This product kills over 250 weeds including dandelions, clover, and broadleaf weeds.
When using this product on weeds it won’t harm your yard or garden and results can be seen in an hour!
Best of all is that you can buy this product in concentrate, ready to use, and ready to spray.
10. RM-43 Weed Preventer ($55)
RM-43 Weed Preventer is one of the strongest weed killers on the list.
It kills and prevents weeds for up to 1 year.
It can cover up to 17,000 square feet and is ideal for fence rows, gravel paths, barns, etc.
My suggestion is to only apply this weed killer to areas where you do not want vegetation to grow.
Pros
- Prevents weeds up to 1 year
- Covers 17,000 square feet
Cons
- Expensive
DIY – 5 BEST Homemade/Organic Weed Killers
If after reading the 10 BEST Weed Killers you still want to make your own weed killer I understand.
With homemade weed killer, you have 100% reliability that it will be safe for you and your garden.
Also, it is sometimes cheaper and can even be fun to make and apply.
Just remember, homemade weed killers are less effective and shorter-lasting than store bought weed killers.
Below, are the 5 BEST Homemade Killers
1. Vinegar
Vinegar is a cheap, easy, and safe way to kill weeds.
How it works is that it draws moisture from weeds causing it to dry out and die. It is as easy as that!
Household vinegar typically won’t get the job done. It is less concentrated and won’t last as long. Instead, use this.
It is 6 times more powerful than household vinegar. I recommend applying it with gloves and a mask.
2. Landscape Fabric
Ok, so I have to admit this is not necessarily a weed killer.
But I promise it is even better than a weed killer!!!!
It is a weed preventer!
All you have to do is lay this fabric on the area you do not want weeds in. Then layer it will mulch or straw. This will create a physical barrier that even the toughest weeds can’t penetrate.
3. Boiling Water
Boiling water is another cheap, easy, and effective way to kill weeds.
Using boiling water is perfect for weeds growing in cracks, along garden fences, or in tight spots.
It should be noted that boiling water will kill the weed, but not always at the root. This means it potentially will grow back and you should repeat this process several times to have full success.
4. Cold-Press Orange Oil
Orange oil is a little known weed killer that has some of the best results out there.
What sets orange oil apart from its competitors is that it is natural and biodegradable.
Orange oil kills weeds from the outer leaves into the roots.
Orange oil is very effective also as an insecticide and can kill fleas, mites, ants, crickets, and so much more.
5. Soap
I love using products that can serve multi-purposes for the garden.
Dr. Bronner’s Peppermint Soap does just that.
Like orange oil, soap is a great way to kill weeds from the outer leaves into the roots.
And also like orange oil, it can kill a wide array of insects that are a pest to your garden.
Best of all is that it is completely organic, safe for the environment, and safe for you.
How to Apply the Best Weed Killers
By now you should have a better understanding of what to look for in weed killers and what the best weed killers are for your garden.
If you want to ensure the most effective results then you must have an understanding of how to apply the weed killer.
The Only Tip You Need to Know
If there is one thing in this article you should read then it is this tip.
If you want to ensure success in killing weeds, then you will want to water your weeds before applying weed killer.
The reason for this is simple. When there is a drought your weeds produce a wax coating to protect it. The wax coating prevents weed kills from penetrating and killing it.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying Weed Killer
In order for your weed killer to be most effective, you will want to follow the below steps during application.
First, always apply your weed killer after mowing and after it rains (or you water your weeds). Never apply the weed killer before mowing or before a rain. This will reduce your success rate.
Solid Form Weed Killer
If you are using a solid form of weed killer then your job is easy and almost done.
All you will need to do is apply the weed killer to your area through a spreader.
A spreader is an easy way to apply weed killers and fertilizers across a large area in a very short time.
I personally recommend Scotts Turf Builder Spreader. This spreader is reasonably priced, durable, and extremely effective.
Liquid Form Weed Killer
If you are using a liquid weed killer, then you will need to perform a few more steps.
You will first start off by mixing the solution per the instructions of your weed killer.
Then you will want to apply it to a specific area with a sprayer. Sprayers and the quickest and easiest ways to apply weed killer to large areas.
I personally recommend Chapin Sprayer. This sprayer is not only reasonably priced but easy to use and long-lasting.
When applying spray weed killer make sure you get as close to the weed as possible before spraying. This will prevent the wind from taking the spray and killing plants you wish not to die.
Finally, I recommend applying weed killer spray monthly for best success.
Different companies and products claim that their spray kills and prevents weeds for up to a year. And while that can be true, I find the best results come from a consistent monthly application.
This will require a little bit more work on your end, but this will also allow your garden and important plants to get as many nutrients as possible.
Conclusion
After reading this article, you should now have a good idea of not only what the best weed killers are for your garden, but also how to correctly shop and apply them to weeds.
My favorite weed killers are numbers 4, 5, and 7. These 3 weed killers are not only some of the most powerful out there, but should meet the needs of all gardeners.
Remember that weeds can be monocot and dicots. Weeds can also be annual, biennial, and perennial.
And when purchasing weed killers remember to pay close attention to its coverage area, selectivity, and residual effect. Also, make sure you have an idea if you want a pre-emergent or post-emergent weed killer.
Last, but not least make sure you water your weed before you spray them with weed killer. This will help provide the best and longest lasting results.
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