Best Weed Killer for Lawns – How to Choose the Right Product

Just as we are ready to get our lawn beautiful for the warm season, or perhaps putting our home on the market, weeds, like uninvited guests, appear. They cause an otherwise pristine lawn to look unsightly, and most people don’t appreciate even the “pretty” ones like the oxeye daisy, dandelion, or catsear (false dandelions). But more than this, these unwelcome invaders are detrimental to the health of our lawns and gardens. Using the right weed killer for lawns is the best way to make our lawns looking perfect.

You can use the navigation menu above to take a whole look at the article. If you have limited time, please check the comparison table to go to our top recommendations. Let’s get started:

Harmful Effects of Weeds

Plants are classified as weeds when they have no redeeming value such as for food or medicine. And although dandelions, milk thistle, and plants of that nature have been used for nutritional purposes, most people do not want them on their lawns but may cultivate them in gardens instead. In the homeowner’s world, weeds have no purpose. They are pests, and like fleas have accelerated growth patterns that leave copious amounts of seeds behind to perpetuate other weeds of their kind. They are usually unattractive and often have thorns or other features that make them difficult to pull.

Some weeds may not be particularly aggressive, blending in, hiding, and making them hardly noticeable. Others are more destructive. Invasive weeds are particularly bad because they are highly noticeable with various textures, colors, and growth habits. They can also completely rule your lawn in one growing season. Still, others may be harmful to pets or livestock if ingested.

Weeds steal nutrition from the grasses in your lawn, competing for water, sunlight, and nutrients. They can leave your grass starving. The loss of potassium, nitrogen, and phosphorous weakens the lawn and it becomes less resistant to insects and diseases. Weeds will often absorb more of one nutrient than another. This imbalance will affect grass types and ornamental lawn plants causing abnormal color and flower growth.

Weeds are notorious for competing for space if not controlled. Invasive weeds that take over areas out of their natural habitat are a particular nuisance. They are highly successfully at flourishing because the native insects and diseases in the area tend to stay away from the unfamiliar and flock to the plants on your lawn.

Controlling Weeds on Your Lawn

As with many things, the best way to control weeds is by preventing them in the first place. A healthy lawn is more resistant to a weed invasion. Use clean seeds, fertilizer, and take early measures to eradicate weeds before they can take over.

It is best if you can identify the intruders trying to take over your lawn. Weeds are basically categorized as grassy, sedge, or broadleaf weeds. Early in the season, examine the stem type, leaf shape, general appearance and color of the weeds. Leaves on immature weeds are commonly broadleaf and grassy. On mature plants, look for flowers, seeds, and fruit. Flowers are generally found in the spring and summer; fruit and seeds are found in late summer to autumn upon the weed’s maturity.

Use mature leaves and stems to help identify a certain species. Stems can be smooth, fuzzy, segmented, round or squared. Leaves can be linear, lobed, or rounded. A weed may be differentiated from similar weeds by its height. Use books and websites to help identify weeds or consult a local expert. Focus on weeds native to the region especially if the weeds are common and have many medicinal uses.

In spite of good lawn care, it is inevitable that some type of weed killer will be needed for your lawn whether mechanical, organic, or chemical. That’s because of the nature of weeds. Seeds are dispersed by the wind and animals and can travel far and wide. This means that no matter how carefully you tend your lawn, a neighbor’s weeds can easily infiltrate your lawn.

Classification of Weed Killers

Weed killers are called herbicides, and these herbicides contain different chemicals and different ways of attacking the weeds. Manufacturers label their products to sell, so it is important to check behind the front label and read how the chemicals actually work.

Herbicides are classified as Contact Herbicides and Systematic Herbicides. Both are designed to kill plant tissue. Contact herbicides use chemicals that kill the parts of the plant it comes in contact with. On broadleaf weeds, this type of herbicide will kill the leafy part of the plant that is above the ground. It does not directly kill roots, tubers, rhizomes, or bulbs.

People like using contact herbicides because they kill fast, usually in one day.

For some weeds, a contact herbicide will not be enough to completely eradicate the weed. As they regrow plant tissue, the herbicide will have to be reapplied. But the plant will eventually weaken and die as it uses its energy to try to survive.

Systematic herbicides work by entering the weed’s system. The plant absorbs the poison through the leaves or stems, transporting it to all parts of the weed, above and below ground. Since the chemical travels through the weed’s sap, it will not have the knockdown effect of the contract killer. Speed will depend upon soil and air temperature.

Using Weed Killer

No matter which weed killer you choose, be sure to read the label carefully and follow directions. Keep in mind that some may be poisonous to pets and take precautions.

The chemical name used in the herbicide will be listed on the front of the label under other ingredients. This name will stay the same, distinguishing one chemical from another.

You will find the “chemical name” on the front of the label under the list of ingredients. The chemical name never changes and distinguishes one chemical from another. They may be listed under “active ingredients”. Also, look for weeds it will control, dilution instructions, any protective equipment needed, and reentry times.

Manufacturers give each combination of chemicals that make up the product a trading name. Another brand may use the same chemicals but give the product a different name. It is advisable to look for the percentage of the chemical in each product, looking for the product with the least amount of chemical for effective control.

Best Weed Killers

Below is a list of some of the most recommended weed killers.

1. Compare-N-Save 016869 Grass and Weed Killer Concentrate

Kill all the unwanted grass and weeds in a single application with the Compare-N-Save Concentrate. With glyphosate as its active ingredient, this herbicide ensures your garden is free from all unwanted plants in no time. It’s formulated for post-emergent application and an absolute solution for eliminating existing invasive weeds.

You can use it for garden or lawn replacement, on walkways or driveways, along fences or in and around your vegetable garden, flower plot preparation, and much more. Nevertheless, this herbicide can kill only actively growing weeds or grass, and it can’t prevent future growth.

Key Features and Benefits

• 41% glyphosate guarantees satisfactory results in just one application. It’s absorbed through the foliage that drifts to the root and kills the weed.
• 79 liters of concentrate can cover up to 25,500 sq. ft.
• It requires only 1.5 ounces of concentrate in one gallon of water and makes up to 85 gallons of spray solution.
• This versatile non-selective concentrate can kill 175 different weed species.
• It’s safe to plant immediately after treating the soil with this weed killer, so you need not have to wait for days to plant, unlike with other herbicides.
• The concentrate becomes rainproof within 2 hours of application, which makes it ideal for regions with frequent rainfall.

2. RoundUp Ready-to-Use Grass and Weed Killer III

If you wish to skip the messy mixing task, then the RoundUp ready-to-use weed and grass killer is just the right herbicide for you.  Featured with fast act technology, it delivers visible results within three hours of application. It comes with a comfort wand that is true to its name as it has a one-touch continuous spray feature that staves off hand-fatigue. Besides, it’s also a very effective compound and can kill even the toughest grass and weeds. It’s one of the best systemic herbicides available on the market.

Key Features and Benefits

• The convenient and ready-to-use potent formula that can eradicate even the most stubborn weeds and grass to the roots so that they don’t grow back.
• A non-selective herbicide, great for use in flower beds, around vegetable plots, tree rings, and for removing weeds growing on the cracks in walkways and driveways.
• It becomes rainproof in only 10 minutes and shows visible outcomes within 3 hours.
• No need to mix. You can simply connect the comfort wand and spray.
• The wand has an extended one-touch continuous spray, so you don’t have to bend over while spraying it.
• It contains 5 liters of formula that can treat up to 400sq.ft.

3. Green Gobbler Vinegar Grass and Weed Killer

If you are looking for a powerful organic herbicide, then the Green Gobbler vinegar grass and weed killer is the best you can get. This weed remover is eco-friendly and biodegradable as it doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals, unlike other non-organic herbicides.

It’s a natural formula derived from corn and comprises an organic compound that can rapidly wipe out unwanted grass and weeds on contact. With 20 percent vinegar as the primary ingredient, even the most persistent weeds don’t stand a chance against it when sprayed on. It can eradicate almost all types of weeds, including crabgrass, clover weeds, dandelions, and many more. However, this compound is highly acidic, so you must handle with care and follow the instructions on the label strictly.

Key Features and Benefits

• It’s a non-selective organic weed killer with 20% vinegar that is 4 times more powerful than the standard vinegar. It eradicates many species of weeds effectively.
• Natural acidic vinegar dries out the weed on contact immediately and shows visible results in just 24 hours after application.
• It comes ready to use with a trigger spray and doesn’t require dilution or mixing, hence making it convenient to use.
• The OMRI has certified it for organic use, so both farmers and homeowners can use it.

4. 2,4-D Anime Weed Killer

The 2,4-D Anime weed killer is by far the best and most reliable selective broadleaf weed control. This potent herbicide will only kill broadleaf weeds and some woody plants. It won’t harm any other plants that come on contact, so you don’t have to worry about accidentally killing your valuable plants while applying it. The icing on the cake is the fact that this formula can be used for both pre-emergent and post-emergent weed control.

Key Features and Benefits

• With Dimethylamine salt of 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid as the active ingredient, this herbicide can completely eradicate unwanted weeds from your lawn or garden.
• As it’s both pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicide, it will also prevent future growth of broadleaf weeds for a very long time by prohibiting seed germination.
• Offers a minimal, economical use ratio of 1 to 4 pints per acre.
• Contains 32oz of concentrate per gallon, and it’s recommended to mix only 2 to 3 tablespoons in 3 to 5 gallons of water, which can cover an area of 1,000 sq. ft. It’s perfect for those who own large lawns or gardens.
• Ideal for use in lawns, parks, gardens, golf courses, pastures, along fences, ditch banks, non-crop sites, and many more.

5. Speed Zone Weed Killer

The Speed Zone weed killer is formulated for weed control in lawns. If your lawn needs a reconstruction, then this herbicide is an ideal option for you. It provides a quick and significant weed control of typical as well as troublesome broadleaf weeds and some very stubborn grass weeds like Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, and Bermuda grass. In case your lawn is severely invaded by weeds, just give this compound a shot; it won’t disappoint you.

Key Features and Benefits

• With 2, 4-D, 2-Ethylhexyl ester as the active ingredient, it ensures rapid and highly effective weed control, delivering evident outcomes within hours of treatment.
• Reseeding can be done in just two weeks after application, making it one of the best selective concentrates for lawn replacement.
• It’s a selective herbicide, so it won’t harm the lawn grasses. You can rely on this formula if you don’t want to damage your valuable lawn grass.
• One bottle contains 20fl. oz. concentrated compound and a single bottle of formula can cover a large area of around 13,300sq.ft. to 18,200sq.ft. with a recommended dose of only 1 to 1.5 fl. oz. per 1000sq.ft.

6. Scotts Halts Crabgrass and Grassy-weed Killer

You can prevent some incredibly stubborn grass weeds like the crabgrass, chickweed, and many other common lawn weeds even before they grow in your lawn with the Scotts Halts weed Killer. This pre-emergent selective granular herbicide comes with a powerful formula that can kill even the toughest grassy-weeds. Apply it only once in early spring or fall, and your lawn will be free of weeds for the rest of the season. It works by preventing the germination of seeds, so they can’t grow into plants. However, it won’t eradicate any existing weeds that are already thriving.

Key Features and Benefits

• 06lb of granular herbicide can cover up to 5000sq.ft.
• Applying this formula in spring will help prevent crabgrass and other lawn weeds for the whole season.
• Treating the lawn with this in fall will prevent winter weeds, such as henbit, annual bluegrass, and chickweed.
• It’s weatherproof, so rain, snow, extremely cold temperature, or other weather elements won’t hinder its performance after application. You can simply sit back and relax while enjoying the view of your healthy and flawless lawn.
• As it’s available in granular form, you need not have to spend extra time in mixing with water.

7. Ortho Nutsedge Killer

The Ortho Nutsedge Killer is another very effective and dependable ready to spray weed killer. This compound is formulated for eliminating yellow and purple nutsedge, kyllinga, and 50 hard to kill weed species that invade Northern and Southern turf grasses. It’s a selective weed killer. You can be worry-free while treating your lawn, as it won’t harm your prized ornamental grass.

The best feature of this product is that its container has a built-in spray that can be connected to a water hose.  The sprayer enables the herbicide to mix with water automatically while spraying. This way, you don’t have to go through the hassle of making a solution manually.

Key Features and Benefits

• Post-emergent weed control, ideal for use in well-established lawns.
• Automatic mixing technology ensures hassle-free, quick, and convenient application.
• It’s a versatile herbicide that can kill both cool season and warm season grassy-weeds.
• The unique formula with Sulfentrazone as its active ingredient can kill weeds fast to the roots. The weeds will be completely eradicated within 2 to 3 weeks of application.
• One bottle contains 32fl. oz. concentrate, which can cover a large area of up to 5000sq.ft.
• It becomes rainproof within 2 hours of application.

8. Barricade Granular Weed Killer

Summer annual weeds like crabgrass, goose-grass, and foxtail can be very tough to kill and frustrating once they grow in your lawn, so it’s always best to prohibit them from germinating. The Barricade Granular weed killer is the perfect tool to avoid such problem weeds. It not only prevents summer annual grass weeds but also controls several broadleaf weeds.  This herbicide is most effective when the soil is treated in the early spring before the soil temperature reaches 55 degrees at a depth of four-inch. In warm-season, it can also be applied during the fall to prevent annual bluegrass. However, it’s a pre-emergent weed control compound, so it’s not capable of causing any damage to existing weeds.

Key Features and Benefits

• It can help prevent over 30 different grass and broadleaf weed species in established turf grasses, landscapes, lawns, and ornamental beds.
• With 0.48% of Prodiamine as the active ingredient, this selective herbicide kills weeds even before they grow.
• It’s available in granular form and requires no mixing, but a little amount of rainfall or irrigation is necessary to activate it.
• With a dose recommendation of 1.8 lbs. to 7.2 lbs. per 1000sq.ft. A package of 18lbs granular herbicide can treat up to 5800sq.ft.

As you can see, technology has provided several good ways to help combat weeds. But remember that healthy lawns are more resistant to weeds, insects, and diseases. Let that be your first defense.