One thing gardeners and homeowners don’t want to see in their lawns is weeds. There are different kinds of weeds, and sometimes, they can be tricky to determine. What’s even worse is that these weeds compete with the grass for things like water, nutrients, and sunlight, affecting the health of the lawn. Some of these unwanted weeds include clover, crabgrass, dandelions, and chickweed.
Weeds can create an unsightly appearance on a lawn. In severe cases, they can completely take over your lawn and make restoring it to a healthy state difficult. So, this article will discuss the best weed killer for lawns, their advantages and disadvantages, and some factors to consider before choosing a weed killer.
What are the types of weed killers for lawns?
There are different best weed killer for lawns, and they are classified into four categories. These are chemical, natural, pre-emergent, and post-emergent weed killers.
a. Chemical weed killers
This type of weed killer is the most common type used for lawns. Chemical weed killers penetrate the weed’s system and kill it from the roots up. They are usually divided into two categories, namely selective and non-selective.
Advantage: The most effective type of weed killer and can work quickly to kill weeds
Disadvantage: It can be harmful to the environment and may require a careful application to prevent damage to other plants or animals in the lawn.
b. Natural weed killers
This type of weed killer uses natural ingredients, such as vinegar, salt, and essential oils. All the options under this category are generally considered safer for the environment. They can be used around people, pets, and other plants on the lawn.
Advantage: Safe for humans, pets, and other plants.
Disadvantage: It may not be as effective as chemical weed killers and require multiple applications to achieve the desired results.
c. Pre-emergent herbicides
You might have heard of pre-emergent herbicides a few times, but to recap, this type of weed killer work by preventing the growth of new weeds before they have a chance to take root in the lawn.
Pre-emergent herbicides are typically applied in the early spring or fall before weeds germinate.
Advantage: An effective prevention method for weed growth
Disadvantage: It does not apply to existing weeds and may need to be applied several times yearly to maintain their effectiveness.
d. Post-emergent herbicides
If it is pre-emergent, there are also post-emergent herbicides, which target and kill existing weeds in the lawn. Post-emergent herbicides are usually applied directly to the leaves of the weed and are absorbed by the plant, causing it to die.
Advantage: Effective in killing existing weeds and can be applied directly
Disadvantage: It may take longer to work than chemical weed killers
What is the best weed killer for lawns?
If you want a specific answer regarding the best weed killer for lawns, here it is! We’ve gathered some products that can kill weeds on your lawn.
1. Roundup Weed & Grass Killer Concentrate Plus
This is a type of chemical weed killer and is a popular choice among homeowners and landscapers. You can use it on both weeds and grass, and it is rainproof in 30 minutes. This product can cover up to 3000 sq. ft. and can be applied using a sprayer or watering can.
Highlights: Fast-acting, versatile, and effective. It can be used on both weeds and grass.
2. Ortho Weed B Gon Weed Killer for Lawns
This is another chemical weed killer designed to kill more than 250 types of weeds without harming the overall health of the lawn. It is also rainproof in 1 hour and covers up to 16,000 sq. ft. You can also apply it using a sprayer or a hose-end applicator.
Highlights: Kills a wide variety of weeds without harming the lawn. Covers a large area and is rainproof in just 1 hour.
3. Preen Garden Weed Preventer
This is a pre-emergent herbicide used to prevent the growth of new weeds for up to 6 months. It is made from natural ingredients and is safe for use around people, pets, and other plants. It can cover up to 900 sq. ft. and can be applied using a shaker container or a spreader.
Highlights: Prevents the growth of new weeds for up to 6 months. Safe for use around people, pets, and other plants.
4. Natural Armor Weed & Grass Killer
This is a natural weed killer made from vinegar and safe for use around people, pets, and other plants compared to the first two options. You can use it on both weeds and grass, and it is rainproof in 24 hours. It can cover up to 1,000 sq. ft. and can be applied using a sprayer or watering can.
Highlights: Made from natural ingredients and safe for use around people, pets, and other plants. It can be used on both weeds and grass.
5. Tenacity Turf Herbicide
This is a post-emergent herbicide, which is safe for use on most types of grass, including Bermuda, St. Augustine, and Kentucky bluegrass. It is rainproof in 2 hours and can control over 40 different weeds. I can also cover 8,000 sq. ft. and can be applied using a sprayer.
Highlights: Safe for use on most types of grass and can control over 40 different weeds. Rainproof in 2 hours.
What are the factors to consider when choosing the best weed killer for lawns?
If you want to get the best weed killer for lawns, you just don’t choose anything you want. If you want to effectively kill the weeds on your lawn, you must consider various factors, and choosing the best weed killer for lawns depends on these.
- Type of weed
There are different weed killers formulated to target different types of weeds. It’s important to determine the type of weed on your lawn before applying a weed killer to ensure that it will be effective. This way, you can save money and time.
- Type of grass
There are weed killers that can harm particular types of grass present on your lawn. That’s why it’s important to choose a product that is safe for your specific type of lawn.
- Active ingredients
This is another crucial factor to consider. Note that the active ingredients in weed killers can have an impact on the environment and human health. You might want to research the active ingredients in the products you are considering first and choose one that is safe and effective.
- Application method
There are weed killers that require special equipment like a sprayer, while others can be applied using a watering can or a shaker container. You must consider the size of your lawn and the equipment you have available when choosing a product. You do not want to choose a weed killer that requires equipment that you don’t have.
- Coverage area
The coverage area of a weed killer can vary greatly, and this is something you should not ignore. Be sure to select a product that will cover the area you need to treat without wasting excess product.
- Rainproof time
If you’re in an area where there’s frequent rain, you need to choose a weed killer that is rainproof within a reasonable amount of time to ensure effectiveness. You do not want a weed killer that will be washed away by rain easily.
- Residual effects
Some weed killers can have residual effects, which can harm plants or animals that come into contact with treated areas. You should consider the residual effects of a product before choosing it for use on your lawn because you want a healthier lawn after killing weeds.
General tips for applying weed killer
Different types of weed killer require different practices, but here are general tips we can give you.
- Apply in optimal conditions, particularly when the weather is calm and dry. Do not apply when it is windy or rainy.
- Always apply weed killer evenly for a more effective result.
- Read and follow the instructions on the product label if you’ll use other methods other than natural solutions.
- After applying the weed killer, water the lawn lightly to help activate the product and ensure it reaches the roots of the woods.
- Wear protective clothing like gloves, long-sleeved shirts, pants, and closed-toe shoes.
- Keep your children and pets away when applying.
- Dispose of the excess product properly.
Choose the best weed killer for lawns wisely!
Now that we’ve given you some product ideas and laid down the different factors to consider, it’s time to decide. Do not forget that it’s better to assess your situation first, such as your lawn and the weeds present on it, before you decide. Although you can get recommendations from your neighbor, it’s still wise to see what you have. What worked on them might not work for you because you have different lawns. By considering the factors we mentioned above while taking note of your budget and preferences, you can surely arrive at the best weed killers for lawns.