Does your dream lawn look more like a battlefield against stubborn weeds? You spend hours mowing, watering, and nurturing your grass, only to see those unwelcome invaders pop right back up. It is frustrating when dandelions and clover take over your beautiful green space. Choosing the right weed killer adds another layer of confusion. Should you use a liquid or a granular product? Do you need something that targets only broadleaf weeds, or one that kills everything? The sheer number of choices can make your head spin!
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down the essential things you need to know about weed killers for lawns. You will learn the difference between pre-emergent and post-emergent options, and discover which ingredients work best for your specific lawn problems. Stop guessing and start winning the war against weeds. Read on to find the perfect solution for a truly pristine lawn!
Top Weed Killers For Lawn Recommendations
- WEED KILLER PLUS LAWN FOOD: Scotts Turf Builder Weed & Feed3 weed killer plus fertilizer for grass kills existing listed weeds and feeds to thicken your lawn and crowd out future weeds
- WEED CONTROL FOR LAWNS: These weed killer plus lawn fertilizer granules control 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 your wet lawn when weeds are actively growing and daytime temperatures are consistently between 60°F and 90°F; don't 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)
- DO NOT USE ON: Do not use this weed killer for lawns on St. Augustinegrass (including Floratam), Dichondra, Lippia, Carpetgrass, and Bentgrass lawns
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
The Essential Guide to Choosing the Best Weed Killer for Your Lawn
A beautiful, green lawn is something everyone wants. Weeds try to ruin that look. Buying the right weed killer makes all the difference. This guide helps you pick the best product for your yard.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for weed killer, several features matter most. These features tell you how well the product works and how safe it is for your grass.
Target Specificity
- Selective Killers: These are the best choice for most homeowners. They kill broadleaf weeds (like dandelions and clover) but leave your desirable grass unharmed.
- Non-Selective Killers: These products kill almost all plants they touch, including your grass. Use these only for clearing driveways or garden beds, not open lawns.
Application Type
- Liquid Sprays: These mix with water and cover a large area quickly. They often work faster.
- Granular Products: You spread these dry granules over the lawn, often with a spreader. They usually offer longer-lasting control.
Speed of Action
Some products work within hours, turning weeds brown quickly. Others take several days to show results. Decide if you want fast visual proof or slower, deep root killing.
Important Materials and Ingredients
The active ingredients determine what the weed killer targets and how it works. Look closely at the label for these common chemicals:
- 2,4-D, Dicamba, and MCPP: These are common selective herbicides. They work by making the weed grow too fast and unevenly, causing it to die.
- Glyphosate: This is a powerful non-selective ingredient. It moves throughout the entire weed, killing the roots completely.
- Pre-Emergent Ingredients (like Prodiamine or Pendimethalin): These stop seeds from sprouting in the first place. You apply them before weeds even appear, usually in early spring or fall.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of a weed killer depends on what you need it to do and how you use it.
Factors That Improve Quality:
- Systemic Action: Good weed killers are systemic. This means the product moves from the leaves down to the roots, ensuring the weed dies completely.
- Rainfastness: Higher quality liquids dry quickly. If rain washes the product away before it soaks in, it will not work well. Check the label for the required dry time.
- Season-Specific Formulas: Some products work better in cool weather, while others perform best when it is hot. Using the right formula for the season improves results.
Factors That Reduce Quality:
- Improper Mixing: If you use too little water or too much product (or vice versa), the chemical balance is ruined. This can lead to poor weed killing or grass damage.
- Over-Application: Applying too much product wastes money and can burn your lawn, reducing the overall quality of your turf.
User Experience and Use Cases
How easy is the product to use? This greatly affects your experience.
Ease of Application
Ready-to-use containers are very simple. You just attach them to a hose and spray. Concentrates require measuring and mixing, which takes more effort but saves money over time.
Timing is Everything
Different weeds grow at different times. For example, pre-emergents stop spring weeds before they start. Post-emergent killers are used when you see active weeds growing in the summer.
Safety Considerations
Always read the safety directions. Some products require you to keep pets and children off the lawn for a set time after spraying. A good user experience includes feeling safe while treating your yard.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Lawn Weed Killers
Q: What is the difference between pre-emergent and post-emergent weed killers?
A: Pre-emergent stops seeds from growing roots. Post-emergent kills weeds that are already visible and growing above the soil.
Q: Will a weed killer harm my dog or cat?
A: Most products are safe once they are completely dry. Always check the label for specific waiting times before allowing pets back onto the treated lawn.
Q: How soon after applying can I mow my lawn?
A: Wait at least two days after applying liquid weed killer before mowing. This lets the chemical move fully into the weed roots.
Q: Can I use weed killer when it is raining?
A: No. Never apply weed killer right before rain. The rain washes the product away before it can kill the weeds.
Q: What is the best temperature to apply liquid weed killer?
A: Most selective liquids work best when temperatures are between 60°F and 85°F. Very hot days can stress the grass.
Q: Do I need to water my lawn after applying granular weed killer?
A: Yes. Usually, you must water lightly after spreading granules. This washes the chemical off the granules and down to the soil level where the weeds are.
Q: Why are my weeds turning brown on top but still look alive at the base?
A: This means the weed killer is only working on the leaves. You need a systemic product that travels to the roots to kill the whole plant.
Q: How often should I apply a weed killer?
A: Post-emergent treatments are used as needed when weeds appear. Pre-emergents are usually applied twice a year: early spring and early fall.
Q: Can I use the same sprayer for fertilizer and weed killer?
A: It is best not to. Residue from the weed killer can damage your plants later. Use a separate, clearly labeled sprayer for herbicides.
Q: What if the label says “safe for St. Augustine grass,” but I have Bermuda grass?
A: Always choose a product specifically labeled for your type of grass. Different grass types react differently to the chemicals, and using the wrong product can kill your lawn.