The Best Weed Killers for 2021
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Best Weed Killer
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For this post, I have put together a collection of the best weed killers currently available.
UPDATED: May 14, 2021.
MY TOP PICK:
If you are looking for the best overall, I recommend Compare-N-Save 016869 because it features glyphosate as the active ingredient that travels to the root to kill most annual and perennial weeds.
How to select the right weed killer.
Herbicides (the proper name for weed killers) work in different ways, so it is important to understand these differences so you can find the right one for your particular application.
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Here is an overview of the main factors to consider when choosing a weed killer.
Selectivity - what the herbicide does and doesn’t kill.
Selective - kills weeds but not surrounding plants. Example application: lawns.
Non-selective - kills all plants. Example application: driveway.
Emergence - whether the herbicide is preventative or not.
Pre-emergence - kills and prevents plants from growing.
Post-emergence - kills grown or growing plants.
Note: can be either contact (only kills what is contacted by the spray) or translocated (absorbed by the plant to kill roots).
Persistence - length of effectiveness after initial application.
Persistent - prevents regrowth for a period of time.
Non-persistent - does not prevent regrowth.
Sources:
“How to Choose the Right Weed Killer”, The Home Depot.
“Postemergence Herbicides: The Basics”, Oregon State.
Also, check out this video for a brief overview of the characteristics of herbicides:
The following best weed killers use the latest innovative ingredients to help to ensure your lawn and garden stay pristine.
So here is my list of The Best Weed Killers for 2021.
Enjoy!
Best Overall: Compare-N-Save Concentrate Weed Killer
The Compare-N-Save Concentrate Weed Killer easily mixed with water used to control unwanted growth around landscaping, walkways, and driveways, and more.
Active ingredient glyphosate is absorbed through the foliage and travels to the root to kill the plant.
Kills almost all annual and perennial weeds, grasses, and other unwanted plants.
Makes up to 10 gallons of spray solution.
Use 1.5 ounces (3 tablespoons) of concentrate in 1 gallon of water for general weed control.
Treats up to 3,000 square feet.
Runner-up: Roundup Super Concentrate Weed Killer
The Roundup Super Concentrate Weed Killer is perfect for use around flowers, shrubs and trees, along fences, edging and foundations and on patios, walkways, driveways, gravel areas and mulch beds.
Effective on large areas such as garden plot preparation or lawn replacements.
Add 2.5 fl. oz. of the concentrate to 1 gallon of water for spraying.
Efficient for widespread weed problems.
Rainproof in 30 minutes.
See results quickly, weeds usually yellow and wilt in 2-4 days.
Best Natural: Doctor Kirchner Weed Killer
The Doctor Kirchner Natural Weed Killer is pet friendly and made from ocean water, food grade commercial vinegar, and soap.
Environmentally friendly formula allows you to maintain a weed-free garden and landscape.
Fast-acting treatment, most weeds will begin to wither in hours.
Grassy weeds may take up to 12-24 hours to turn brown.
Quickly and safely takes care of your spot treatment weed killing needs.
Must-have accessory:
Don’t forget the tank sprayer.
RM43 Weed Killer
The RM43 Weed Killer is ideal for fence rows, parking areas and around farm buildings and barns, gravel paths, sidewalks, driveways and more.
Contains a concentrated formula of glyphosate and imazapyr.
Use on non-crop areas as a spot treatment for brush, vines and weeds or on bare ground for total vegetation control.
Effective against most noxious weeds, grasses, vines, brush and trees.
One gallon treats 17,297 square feet.
Effective for up to one year.
Hi-Yield 33693 Killzall Weed Killer
The Hi-Yield 33693 Killzall Weed Killer is great for lawn renovation, stump treatment brush and vine control.
Non-selective weed and grass killer.
Contains a double-surfactant ultra formulation.
Dries on sprayed plants fast to start working quickly.
Concentrated formula for efficient use.
PBI/Gordon 652400 Weed Killer
The PBI/Gordon 652400 Weed Killer is a four way herbicide blend.
Controls over 75 types of unwanted weeds such as clover, ground ivy dandelions and more.
Allows you to reseed In just two weeks.
Quickly see results within 24 hours.
Treats up to 14,100 square feet.
Southern Ag 2, 4 - D Amine Weed Killer
The Southern Ag 2, 4 - D Amine Weed Killer is effective on many broadleaf weeds, turf, pastures, and more.
Low, economical use rate of 1 to 4 pints per acre.
Contains 3.8 lbs. per gallon.
4-D acid equivalent liquid concentrate in a low volatile amine form.
Use 2- 3 tablespoons in 3 - 5 gallons of water to cover 1,000 sq. ft.
Preen Extended Control Weed Preventer
The Preen Extended Control Weed Preventer is in granular form for easy application.
Stop weeds before they start.
To treat desired area, shake it evenly distribute the granules on top of the soil or mulch.
Use around trees, flower beds, rock gardens and more.
Treats dandelions, crabgrass, chickweed, horseweed, oxalis, lambsquarters and more.
Stops weeds for up to six months per application.
Ortho GroundClear Weed Killer
The Ortho GroundClear Weed Killer kills and prevents weeds for up to one year.
Great for use on sidewalks, driveways and other areas where you want no vegetation.
Apply mixed concentrate with sprinkler can or tank sprayer.
Fast-acting, dual-action formula.
Results in as little as 6 hours.
BioAdvanced 80230141 Weed Killer
The BioAdvanced 80230141 Weed Killer is effective on driveways, fences, foundations, sidewalks, patios, walkways and more.
One treatment kills existing weeds.
Weed prevention continues working after the initial application.
Long-lasting protection, keeping new weeds away for up to 6 months.
Non-selective weed control.
I hope this list of the best weed killers was helpful.
If you think I left out one that is important or have a suggestion for a future article, let me know in the comments below.
Brandon Hubbard, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C
