Does your perfect green carpet have unwelcome, prickly guests taking over? Those stubborn weeds can quickly ruin your hard work. You want a lush, beautiful lawn, but fighting off dandelions and clover feels like a never-ending battle.
Choosing the right weed killer adds another layer of confusion. Should you use a liquid or a granular product? Are you worried about harming your grass or your pets? The labels are confusing, and you just want simple, effective results without the guesswork.
This post cuts through the noise. We will break down what actually works, compare the top types of weed killers available, and show you how to apply them safely and effectively. Get ready to take control of your yard!
Top Weed Lawn Killer Recommendations
- Weed killer for lawns: Kill weeds in your lawn, including dandelion, chickweed, clover, crabgrass and foxtail with the Ortho WeedClear Lawn Weed Killer Ready-to-Spray
- Fast-acting weed control: This weed control product kills listed weeds like crabgrass, dandelion, clover, chickweed and creeping charlie down to the root and gets results with 1 application
- Broadcast treatment for weeds: Won't harm lawn grasses when used as directed - use on lawn grasses including Bermudagrass, Buffalograss, Fescues, Kentucky Bluegrass, Ryegrass and Zoysiagrass
- Spray weed killer: Apply to weeds that are young and actively growing by connecting your garden hose to the sprayer, sliding the switch to "ON" and spraying evenly until the lawn is wet
- Ready to spray: This 32 oz. container of Ortho WeedClear Lawn Weed Killer Ready-to-Spray treats up to 5,000 sq. ft.
- Weed killer for lawns: Use Ortho WeedClear Weed Killer for Lawns to kill over 250 listed weeds including dandelion and clover down to the root, without harming your lawn (when used as directed)
- Fast-acting weed control: Kills listed weeds like dandelion, clover, and chickweed down to the root and gets results with 1 application
- Spot treatment for weeds: Kills weeds not the lawn when used as directed - use on St. Augustinegrass (not Floratam), Bermudagrass, Centipedegrass, Zoysiagrass, Buffalograss, and Bahiagrass, Kentucky Bluegrass, Ryegrass, Tall Fescue, and Fine Fescue
- Spray weed killer: Apply this lawn weed killer to small, actively growing weeds when daytime temperatures are below 90°F
- Ready to use: This 1 gal. container of Ortho WeedClear Weed Killer for Lawns comes with the continuous-spray Comfort Wand applicator to easily spot treat weeds in your lawn
- KILLS WEEDS – NOT THE LAWN: When used as directed
- VISIBLE RESULTS IN 5 HOURS: Conquer unruly weeds and see visible results in as fast as 5 hours
- KILLS 470+ WEED TYPES AS LISTED: Kills broadleaf and grassy weeds including dandelion, chickweed and clover as well as crabgrass and yellow nutsedge – see product label for complete list of weed types
- KILLS THE ROOT: Kills weeds by contact down to the root
- READY-TO-USE FORMULA: No mixing required
- KILLS & PREVENTS WEEDS* UP TO 6 MONTHS: Kills broadleaf weeds*, including Dandelion, Clover, Chickweed and Henbit with a proven blend of weed killers *Listed
- CRABGRASS PREVENTION: Prevents grassy and listed broadleaf weeds such as Crabgrass, Annual Bluegrass, Common Dandelion, Goosegrass and Spurge for up to 6 months
- IDEAL FOR SOUTHERN LAWNS: Improve your lawn care with this broadleaf weed killer that treats up to 4,000 square feet of southern turf, including all varieties of St. Augustinegrass and Floratam
- READY FOR THE SEASON: With one application, this crabgrass preventer offers season-long weed control
- SIMPLE APPLICATION: Apply these weed killer granules with a rotary or drop spreader and water lightly 24 hours after applying
- Roundup For Lawns₁ is a ready-to-use tough weed killer for Northern grasses that kills weeds, roots and all (when used as directed), with up to 3 month weed control (as listed)
- Kills 253 types of weeds (see inside booklet for weed list), including crabgrass, dandelion, clover, yellow nutsedge, poison ivy, chickweed, oxalis, and purslane
- Roundup For Lawns₁ starts working immediately and is rainproof in 3 hours
- Use this tough weed killer on listed Northern grasses, including Kentucky Bluegrass, Perennial Ryegrass, Fescue spp. including Tall, Red, and Fine Leaf Fescues, and Zoysiagrass
- The easy reach extendable spray wand makes application a breeze with its continuous spray
- Scotts Liquid Turf Builder with Plus 2 Weed Control kills weeds and gives your lawn a quick boost of nitrogen to promote greening
- Liquid weed killer plus fertilizer controls dandelion, clover, ground ivy, henbit, chickweed, plantain, poison ivy, and other broadleaf weeds as listed
- Apply this ready-to-spray weed and feed when weeds are actively growing
- This lawn care product is for use on Bluegrass, Fescue, Ryegrass, Bahiagrass, Common Bermudagrass, Centipedegrass, and Zoysiagrass
- One 32 fl. oz. container of Scotts Liquid Turf Builder with Plus 2 Weed Control provides coverage of 6,000 sq. ft. for warm season lawns and 4,000 sq. ft. for cool season lawns
- Scotts Turf Builder Weed & Feed3 weed killer plus fertilizer kills existing listed weeds and feeds to thicken your lawn and crowd out future weeds
- Weed Control and Lawn Fertilizer: controls over 50 listed lawn weeds, including clover, dandelion, plantain, morningglory, chicory, eveningprimrose, and purslane
- Weed and Feed for Lawns: Apply this combination weed control and lawn food to a wet lawn when weeds are actively growing and daytime temperatures are consistently between 60°F and 90°F; do not apply more than 2X per year
- Use on Listed Grass Types: Apply this lawn care product to Bahiagrass, Bermudagrass, Bluegrass, Centipedegrass, Fescue, Ryegrass, and Zoysiagrass (temporary discoloration may occur on some grasses)
- Coverage: One 14.29 lb. bag of Scotts Turf Builder Weed & Feed3 covers 5,000 sq. ft.; use a Scotts spreader for even, uniform coverage
Your Guide to Wiping Out Weeds: Choosing the Best Weed Lawn Killer
Tired of unwanted guests in your green space? Weed lawn killers are powerful tools. They help you reclaim your beautiful, healthy lawn. This guide explains what to look for so you pick the perfect product for your yard.
Key Features to Look For
Not all weed killers work the same way. Knowing the key features helps you make a smart choice.
1. Selective vs. Non-Selective
- Selective Weed Killers: These are smart killers. They target specific weeds (like dandelions or clover). They usually leave your good grass alone. This is best for maintaining a nice lawn.
- Non-Selective Weed Killers: These are the “scorched earth” options. They kill almost all plant life they touch, including your lawn grass. Use these carefully on patios, driveways, or before reseeding an area.
2. Speed of Action
Some products work fast, showing results in hours. Others take several days or even weeks. If you need quick fixes for a sudden invasion, look for fast-acting formulas. Slower formulas often offer longer-lasting control.
3. Residual Activity
Residual activity means the product keeps working in the soil even after you apply it. Some people want this to stop new weeds from sprouting. Others avoid it if they plan to plant new seeds soon, as it can stop grass seeds from growing too.
Important Ingredients and Materials
The chemicals inside the bottle determine how the killer works. Read the label to understand what you are spraying.
Active Ingredients
- Glyphosate: This is a very common, non-selective killer. It moves through the entire plant, killing the roots. It is effective but kills everything green.
- 2,4-D, Dicamba, MCPP: These are common ingredients in selective killers. They act like plant hormones, causing the weeds to grow uncontrollably until they die, while grass handles them better.
Formulation Type
- Liquid Concentrate: You mix this with water in a sprayer. It offers good coverage and is often cost-effective.
- Ready-to-Use (RTU): These come pre-mixed in a sprayer bottle. They are very easy to use, especially for small jobs, but might cost more per ounce.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of your weed killer depends on its effectiveness and safety for your lawn.
Factors That Improve Quality:
- Rainfastness: This is how quickly the product sticks to the weed and won’t wash away with rain or watering. Look for products that are “rainfast” within one to three hours.
- Target Specificity (for Selective): A high-quality selective killer targets tough weeds without harming your desirable turfgrass varieties.
Factors That Reduce Quality:
- Temperature Sensitivity: Some strong chemicals stop working well or even damage your grass if applied when it is too hot (over 85°F). Always check the temperature guidelines.
- Improper Mixing: If you buy a concentrate and mix it too weak, it will not kill the weeds effectively. Following the dilution instructions precisely is crucial.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you plan to use the product. This affects which packaging and type you should buy.
For Large Areas:
If you have a very large yard, buying a large container of concentrate and using your own backpack or tow-behind sprayer saves money and time. You need a product that spreads easily and works reliably across many square feet.
For Spot Treating:
If you only have a few stubborn weeds popping up here and there, RTU spray bottles are perfect. You can quickly pull them out, spray the spot, and put the bottle away without mixing anything.
Timing is Everything:
Most experts agree that spring and early fall are the best times to apply most weed killers. Weeds are actively growing then, which helps them absorb the chemical better. Applying in the heat of summer often proves less successful.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Weed Lawn Killers
Q: How soon after applying can I water my lawn?
A: Check the label, but generally, you need to wait at least 24 hours after application before watering heavily. This ensures the product has time to soak into the weed.
Q: Can I use weed killer if I have pets?
A: Yes, but you must keep pets off the treated area until the product is completely dry. Most labels suggest waiting a few hours or until the next day, depending on the chemical.
Q: Will this kill my established lawn grass?
A: Only if you use a non-selective killer. A selective weed killer is designed to kill broadleaf weeds while protecting your grass.
Q: What is the best temperature to spray weed killer?
A: The ideal range is usually between 60°F and 80°F. Avoid spraying when temperatures are expected to exceed 85°F.
Q: How long does it take for weeds to die after spraying?
A: Fast-acting liquids might show wilting within a few hours, but complete death, especially root kill, can take 1 to 2 weeks.
Q: Should I mow my lawn before or after spraying?
A: It is best to mow at least two or three days before spraying. This allows the weed leaves to grow large enough to absorb the spray effectively.
Q: Can I use old, leftover mixed weed killer later?
A: Never store pre-mixed liquid weed killer. The chemical breaks down in the water and becomes useless. Throw away unused mixed solutions safely.
Q: Does rain wash away the product immediately?
A: Quality products are “rainfast” after about 1 to 3 hours. If heavy rain is predicted right after spraying, you should wait for a dry window.
Q: What should I do about weeds that grow back?
A: If weeds return, it usually means the roots survived. Wait a few weeks for the plant to recover, then apply a second targeted treatment.
Q: Are organic weed killers as strong as chemical ones?
A: Organic options, often based on vinegar or soaps, work quickly but usually only burn the top of the plant. They often do not kill the roots as effectively as strong chemical systemic killers.