Does your beautiful green lawn have unwanted visitors? Those pesky weeds can quickly turn a dream yard into a frustrating mess. You see dandelions popping up, crabgrass spreading, and suddenly your hard work seems wasted. Choosing the right weed spray feels like navigating a confusing maze. Should you pick a liquid or a granular product? Do you need a pre-emergent or a post-emergent spray? The labels are full of big words, and you just want a simple solution that works.
It’s frustrating when you spend time and money, only to see those weeds return week after week. We understand that pain point—you want a lush, healthy lawn without the constant battle against invaders. You need clear, simple advice to tackle this problem effectively.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down exactly what you need to know about weed sprays for your lawn. You will learn how to identify the best product for your specific weed problem and apply it safely and correctly. Get ready to take back control of your yard!
Top Weed Spray For Lawn 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.
- Use Ortho WeedClear Weed Killer for Lawns Ready-To-Spray to kill weeds down to the root, without harming your lawn (when used as directed); you'll see visible results in hours
- KILLS WEEDS: This lawn weed killer kills over 250 common weeds, including dandelions, clover, poison ivy, chickweed, and dollarweed (see product label for complete weed list)
- LAWN FRIENDLY: It contains three proven ingredients that target common lawn weeds, so it won’t harm your grass (when used as directed)
- RESULTS YOU CAN SEE: Visible results in hours; rainproof in 1 hour upon drying; people and pets may enter the treated area after the spray has dried
- EASY TO USE: To apply, connect your garden hose to the sprayer and set the nozzle to your desired setting
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Weed killer for lawns: Kill weeds including dandelion, dollarweed, chickweed, and clover without harming your lawn (when used as directed) with Ortho WeedClear Lawn Weed Killer Ready-To-Use1
- Fast-acting weed control: This weed control product kills over 250 listed weeds, including dandelion, clover, chickweed, creeping charlie, and dollarweed, and produces results in hours
- Spot treatment for weeds: Won't harm lawn grasses when used as directed - use on Bahiagrass, Bentgrass, Bermudagrass (hybrid and common), Buffalograss, Centipedegrass, Fescue, Kentucky Bluegrass, Zoysiagrass, and St. Augustinegrass (except Floratam)
- 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 Ready-to-Use1 comes with the continuous-spray Comfort Wand applicator to spot treat weeds in your lawn
Choosing the Best Weed Spray for Your Lawn: A Simple Buying Guide
Tired of pesky weeds taking over your beautiful lawn? A good weed killer spray can save the day. But with so many options, how do you pick the right one? This guide helps you choose the best spray to keep your grass green and weed-free.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for weed spray, look for these important features:
1. Selective vs. Non-Selective
- Selective Weed Killers: These are your best friends for lawns. They target broadleaf weeds (like dandelions and clover) but leave your grass unharmed. Always check the label to make sure it says “safe for lawns” or “selective.”
- Non-Selective Weed Killers: These kill everything they touch—weeds, grass, and flowers. Use these only for clearing driveways, patios, or areas where you want zero plant life.
2. Killing Speed
Some sprays work fast, showing results in hours. Others take several days. If you want quick visual proof, look for fast-acting formulas. Slower sprays often offer longer-lasting control.
3. Longevity (Residual Effect)
Do you want a spray that just kills the weeds you see now, or one that stops new seeds from sprouting? Pre-emergent weed killers create a barrier in the soil to stop seeds from growing. Post-emergent sprays kill existing weeds.
Important Ingredients and Materials
The chemicals in the spray determine how well it works and what it harms. Read the label!
Active Ingredients
- For Broadleaf Weeds: Look for common ingredients like 2,4-D, Dicamba, or MCPP. These are standard in selective lawn treatments.
- For Grass Weeds (like crabgrass): You might need specialized ingredients like Quinclorac.
Safety and Formulation
Consider if you prefer a ready-to-use spray or a concentrate. Concentrates save money but require mixing with water. Also, check if the product is pet-safe *after* it dries. Most lawn chemicals are safe once the spray has completely dried on the lawn.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of your weed killer depends on a few things:
What Makes It Better?
- Rainfastness: A high-quality spray dries fast. If it rains soon after you spray, the product washes away, and you waste time and money. Look for products that become “rainfast” within one hour.
- Concentration: Stronger, well-formulated active ingredients usually work better and require less product per application.
What Lowers the Quality?
- Improper Application: Even the best spray won’t work if you spray on a windy day or right before a big rainstorm.
- Weed Resistance: If you use the exact same chemical type every year, some tough weeds can become resistant to it. Quality products often rotate ingredients or use a mix.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the product matters as much as what you buy.
Ease of Use
For small yards, a ready-to-spray bottle with a built-in sprayer is very convenient. For large yards, a backpack sprayer using a concentrate saves your arms and is more economical.
When to Spray
Most broadleaf weeds are easiest to kill when they are actively growing—usually spring and early fall. Avoid spraying when temperatures are very high (over 85°F), as this can stress your grass, and the spray might not work as well.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Lawn Weed Spray
Q: How long until I see results after spraying?
A: Most fast-acting sprays show yellowing or wilting within 24 to 72 hours. Full weed death can take one to two weeks.
Q: Is it safe to let my dog walk on the lawn after spraying?
A: Generally, yes, after the spray has completely dried. Always check the product label, as “drying time” can range from an hour to a full day.
Q: Can I use weed killer if I just seeded my lawn?
A: No. Most weed killers damage new grass seedlings. Wait until your new grass has been mowed two or three times before using a selective spray.
Q: What is the best time of day to spray weeds?
A: Early morning or late afternoon is best. This avoids the hottest part of the day, which can cause the spray to evaporate too quickly.
Q: Will weed killer hurt my flowers or vegetable garden nearby?
A: Yes, if you use a non-selective spray or if the spray drifts. Always shield desirable plants from drift, especially when using sprays containing 2,4-D.
Q: What should I do if it rains an hour after I spray?
A: If the product claims to be rainfast in one hour, you should be fine. If it is not rainfast, you will likely need to reapply the product.
Q: Do I have to mix concentrates with water?
A: Yes. Concentrates are powerful liquids that you must dilute according to the label instructions before putting them into a sprayer.
Q: Why are some weed killers so much more expensive?
A: Higher prices often reflect specialized formulas, longer residual control, or the inclusion of ingredients that control tougher weeds like nutsedge.
Q: Can I use a weed killer meant for driveways on my lawn?
A: Absolutely not! Driveway weed killers are usually non-selective and will kill your grass completely.
Q: How often should I apply a post-emergent weed killer?
A: Follow the label, but typically you reapply every 4 to 6 weeks during the growing season if you are still seeing new weeds pop up.