To get your lawn and paving looking great, gardeners need a little help – which is why we’ve reviewed a range of products to find the best weed killer for lawns on the market.
Sometimes managing weeds in your lawn can feel like a never-ending job! They spring up after the rain in the warm weather, and the seeds are brought in by birds and wildlife or dropped by the wind.
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Best Weed Killer for Lawns 2024
Product | Our Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
1. Southern Ag 2,4-D Amine Weed Killer Selective Broadleaf Weed Control | 
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2. Compare-N-Save Concentrate Grass and Weed Killer | 
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3. Ortho Weed B Gon Weed Killer for Lawns Concentrate | 
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4. Roundup 5200210 Weed and Grass Killer III Ready-to-Use Comfort Wand Sprayer | 
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5. PBI/Gordon Speed Zone Lawn Weed Killer | 
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Important Features to Look for When Choosing the Best Weed Killer for Lawns
What goes into making a lawn weed control product that delivers the best results?
Here’s what to look for when buying a weed killer.
Considering the Size of Your Yard
Different weed killers provide different coverage, so you want a product that will go quite far – especially if you have a large-sized lawn. Keep in mind that many week killers need a second application to work properly.
Premixed solutions tend to cover less ground than concentrates that you mix yourself, so if you have a few thousand square feet of lawn or simply want a product that you can store and reapply when needed, it’s better to choose the concentrate.
Does it Provide Fast Results?
The faster the product kills off your weeds, the better! Most begin to work within hours, and you should notice the weeds starting to die off within 24 hours.
Weed Killers that are Water Resistant
Generally speaking, you should always apply weed killer to a lawn on a warm, dry day where no rain is forecast for the next 48-72 hours.
However, Mother Nature doesn’t always co-operate (or you forget and leave the irrigation system on!) so it’s good to find a weed killer for lawns that has some water resistance and won’t just wash away in a light shower.
Knowing Your Weed Variety
Before buying a lawn weed control product, check what weeds it will kill. Some products are general-purpose, while others are specific to regional weeds or certain weed varieties.
If you have dandelions, crabgrass, poison sumac, giant ragweed or anything else, you need to look on the label of the weed killer to see if it will be effective against that weed.
Here’s a useful guide to identifying common garden weeds.
Types of Weed Killer for Lawns
There are two main types of weed killer for lawns, these are:
Pre-emergent weed killer
Pre-emergent weed and feed products kill off weeds before they have a chance to grow and develop leaves. This won’t kill your grass or existing weeds, but it will kill any seeds waiting to sprout in your soil.
Post-emergent weed killer
The herbicide granules are absorbed by the leaves of existing, growing weeds, which then kills the weed. This should be used on established patches of weeds, as it will not kill seeds and prevent them from sprouting.
There are also weed and feed fertilizers, which combine pre- or post-emergent herbicides with balanced fertilizers to support lawn growth.
Explore our guide to learn the correct timing and application for weed and feed.
Spot Treatment Weed Killer vs Best Weed and Grass Killer
One of the worst issues a gardener can struggle with when trying to get rid of weeds is when the weed killer kills off the grass along with the weeds. This leaves you with a patchy lawn that can take a whole summer to repair.
If you are killing weeds in paving, your driveway or other hard landscaping, it won’t matter if your weed killer kills grass. In fact, the best weed and grass killer is often useful when grass gets into areas where you don’t want it to grow.
If you are trying to control weeds within your lawn, however, you want to look for a spot weed killer that is grass-friendly. This will kill off the weeds while leaving your lawn grass looking healthy.
Human and Pet Safe Weed Killer for Lawns
Many types of weed killer products are toxic to dogs and humans, so it’s not advisable to use just any weed killer if you have pets and children.
If ingested or rubbed into the skin or eyes, it is important to contact Poison Control or the relevant emergency services (doctor or vet) to find out what you should do.
The better option is to look for a pet safe weed killer for sale, or make one at home, as these are safe for families too.
Effective solutions include:
- Pouring boiling water onto weeds
- Salting weeds
- A mix of boiling water, vinegar and 2 drops of lemon or clove oil
- Strong vinegar sprayed onto the weeds directly
- Removing the weed by hand using a trowel to dig out the roots, disposing of it in the garbage
You may need to apply these solutions more than once in order for them to be effective.
They are all non-targeted weed killers, so they will affect all the plants they come into contact with, including grass and plants you may want to keep.
Here are a few other techniques for killing weeds to take a look at.
Safety Tips for Using Weed Killer for Lawns
- Read the label and instructions in full.
- Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) including safety glasses, a mask or scarf around your neck, and latex gloves.
Wear rubber or plastic shoes rather than shoes with absorbent material, and wash well after use. - Was all equipment used to mix or apply the herbicide and keep them separate from everyday items.
- Mix only what you are going to use and do not dump excess. This can be very dangerous in the water system and damaging to the natural environment.
- Spray on a still, windless day. If there is a light breeze, position yourself upwind so that you are not in contact with drifting particles.
Keep pets and kids indoors while you spray. - If you are not using a child or pet safe weed killer, keep children and all pets off the area for the time outlined in the instructions. This may be 24-72 hours.
- After applying the weed killer to your lawn, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water for 30 seconds, even if you wore gloves. Change your clothes if necessary.
How to Store Weed Killer Safely
Every kind of weed killer needs to be stored correctly, even pet safe varieties, in order to be safe and to remain effective for later use.
- Store in a locked cabinet in a cool, well-ventilated room or storage shed along with any utensils and equipment used for mixing or applying the herbicide.
- The shelf the herbicide is on should be out of the reach of children or pets.
- Keep the unit locked.
- Make sure the container is sealed properly to prevent leaks into the soil or onto the floor.
- Keep away from all food or beverages.
- Never mix herbicides.
Tips on Buying the Best Weed Killer for Your Lawn
Heading to the garden center? Here are our tips for buying the best weed killers for lawn.
1. Identify the weeds – Some weeds are harmful to your yard while others are simply plants that are out of place that are actually beneficial.
For example, dandelions and chickweed are becoming desirable garden plants thanks to their beauty and usefulness as herbs (you can even made delicious dandelion wine!)
Many so-called weeds are important food sources that support honeybees, lacewings, ladybugs and other beneficial insects that protect and pollinate your garden.
With the right ecosystem, you won’t even need to use insecticides!
2. Mix your weed killer concentrate – Concentrates are better value for money, especially if you are managing large spaces of lawn and paving.
Usually, a concentrate can make 80 gallons of herbicide for much less money than 80 gallons of pre-mixed solution.
When mixing from a concentrate, follow the instructions closely and remember that using more concentrate than recommended will not make the solution more effective. In fact, it is illegal in many areas.
3. Read the instructions in full – The manufacturer’s instructions will cover much more than how to mix the solution. They are full of great information like what weeds the solution will kill, how to apply the weed killer for the best results, safety instructions and whether or not it is a pet safe weed killer.
It will also tell you how quickly the weed killer will work, so you know when to expect results and if you’ll need a second application.
Here’s a video showing how to mix the concentrate:
Best Weed Killer for Lawn Reviews
1. Southern Ag 2,4-D Amine Weed Killer Selective Broadleaf Weed Control
via Amazon
Southern AG can be used on certain grasses in lawns and other areas, such as long fence lines, non-crop sites, and around agriculture sites. It is designed to control broadleaf weeds.
Pros
- The weed killer doesn’t kill your grass. Instead, it only performs the intended job.
- This weed killer is a concentrate. You need to add two to three tablespoons of the chemicals to three to five gallons of water.
- With this mix, you can cover 1,000 square feet of lawn. You will need a fan-type nozzle to spray low-pressure over the entire area.
The 2-4D is the way to go. It packs a serious punch into those annoying, broadleaf weeds! Some even use it for unwanted trees! - You will notice a difference within 24 hours, and all weeds should be gone by 7 to 10 days.
A few more applications over several days will eliminate every single problem weed in your yard.
Cons
- Always make sure to read the label and use the appropriate amount of chemicals for the size land. Otherwise, you do risk killing your grass.
- It doesn’t work very well on killing clover intermixed with grass.
- If you have St. Augustine grass, don’t use this weed killer. It kills this type of grass very easily.
The Southern AG is pet, human and environmentally safe, which is ideal for those with children or animals running around in their yard.
2. Compare-N-Save Concentrate Grass and Weed Killer
via Amazon
With the Compare N Save Weed Killer, you can kill unwanted grass in a single application. You can use it to keep your driveway and sidewalks free of weeds.
It is perfect for along fences, around flower beds, and your vegetable gardens.
Pros
- It comes in three options: 32 ounces, 1 gallon or 2.5 gallons. Each option is 41 percent glyphosate.
- The one gallon makes up to 85 gallons of ready-to-use spray.
You can cover 25,000 square feet of lawn; that is a lot of weed killing! - With one application, you will notice results in two to four days.
- If it happens to rain after you applied the weed killer, the Compare N Save is rainproof for two hours.
- Gardeners have no trouble using this weed killer.
Simply mix three tablespoons of this concentrated in one gallon of water.
If you are having harder weed problems, mix five tablespoons into the one gallon of water. - One gallon covers 300 square feet of lawn. It is best to apply it during a warm day, above 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
Cons
- It is only waterproof for two hours. Other options offer it for a longer period of time.
- Some homeowners have to make the concentration stronger than recommended, decreasing the amounts of use out of each gallon.
With the Compare N Save Weed Killer, you get a lot of spray for a great value! It will last you for a long time and will cover a huge amount of area!
3. Ortho Weed B Gon Weed Killer for Lawns Concentrate
via Amazon
Most homeowners know about Ortho Weed B Gon! They created this concentrate to kill dandelions, clovers, chickweed, oxalis, crabgrasses, and broadleaf weeds to the root.
Pros
- It will only target the lawn weeds, and it won’t damage your beautiful, green lawn.
You can spray the weeds in your lawn, as a spot treatment, without ending up with bare, ugly patches throughout your yard - You can use it at any time during the month when plants are growing.
- The Weed B Gon kills 250+ weeds, and you will see results within one hour.
- If a crazy rain shower happens after application, the concentrate is rainproof for one hour!
- When you purchase the concentrate, you get a great value.
The one-gallon variety will cover 64,000 square feet of lawn! You will need a sprayer to go along with it.
Cons
- With the Weed Be Gon, you will probably need to make more than one application to eliminate all of the weeds totally.
- It is only waterproof for one hour. After that, the chemical could be washed away in the rain.
4. Roundup 5200210 Weed and Grass Killer III Ready-to-Use Comfort Wand Sprayer
via Amazon
Roundup Weed and Grass III Killer comes with its comfort wand making it a convenient choice. Homeowners who aren’t satisfied with their Killer III can send proof of purchase and receive a refund for the entire price!
However, chances are you will love all the weeds it knocks out of your lawn!
Pros
- It is a no-mix formula, perfect for use anywhere and anytime!
You can easily use it around your vegetable garden, flower beds, around trees and more. - For the first 10 minutes, it is rainproof.
- You will notice results within three hours!
- If you use the Killer III, it knocks out weeds from the roots up, so they won’t come back.
The chemicals are absorbed through the leaves, going all the way down for a total kill. - You can use this weed killer for 400 square feet of lawn.
The wand offers a continuous spray with no bending over and no hand fatigue.
Cons
- It only provides homeowners with 10 minutes of rainproof coverage.
This isn’t nearly long enough! - Unfortunately, it will also kill your grass with ease. You have to apply carefully.
5. PBI/Gordon Speed Zone Lawn Weed Killer
via Amazon
The Gordon Speed Zone Weed Killer shows results quickly; weeds will start to die within hours of the first use! If you want an effective, concentrated weed killer, Gordon Speed Zone works fast and covers a large amount of land.
Pros
- It is a 2,4-D mixture that rapidly and efficiently controls the weed population.
- You won’t have any broadleaf weeds left on your lawn within 7 to 10 days.
- With one 20 ounce bottle of concentrate, you can cover 14,000 to 18,000 square feet of lawn, perfect for those who own a lot of property.
- You can use the Gordon Speed Zone Weed Killer for spot killing weeds.
It won’t harm your lawn grass. It is designed to target weed species in your yard correctly, so there is no worry about having ugly patches of dead grass. - Gordon’s works well on dandelions, clovers, creeping Charlie and wild violets.
- The combination of chemicals could keep the area clear of weeds for up to 1 year.
- It doesn’t burn your grass. Some weed killer burns grass when they work rapidly, but Gordon’s Weed Killer won’t leave any signs of burn.
Cons
- Given that it is made with 2,4-D, you need to use the prescribed blend for the right amount of land.
It could kill your grass if you add too much concentrate. - You will need to apply a few applications to completely eliminate all of the weeds in your yard.
Product | Our Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
1. Southern Ag 2,4-D Amine Weed Killer Selective Broadleaf Weed Control |
| | |
2. Compare-N-Save Concentrate Grass and Weed Killer |
| ||
3. Ortho Weed B Gon Weed Killer for Lawns Concentrate |
| ||
4. Roundup 5200210 Weed and Grass Killer III Ready-to-Use Comfort Wand Sprayer |
| ||
5. PBI/Gordon Speed Zone Lawn Weed Killer |
|
Sumo Gardener's Best Weed Killer for Lawns for 2024
via Amazon
These are five best choices for a weed killer! If weeds are overtaking your yard, it is time to put a stop to the madness.
Luckily, there are some great options to make the process easier. Remember to take a look at the important features!
Out of the five choices above, one stands out as the best of the best.
The Southern AG 2,4-D has all of the important features we want to see. First, it is environmentally safe, along with human and pet safe. You will cover thousands of square feet with one bottle of concentrate.
Southern AG includes broadleaf weeds specifically, such as chickweed and dandelions. However, it won’t hurt your grass, and it doesn’t leave burn marks on your yard.
If the Southern AG doesn’t suit your needs, any of the five weed killers listed above is sure to make your yard weed free and beautiful within a week!
Welcome to Your Weed-Free Lawn!
Now you know exactly how to choose the best weed and grass killer, as well as how to safely apply and store your weed killer. Remember to choose a warm, windless day when no rain is forecast, and to wear protective clothing.
It’s also important to mix your solution as per the manufacturer’s instructions and use a pet safe weed killer if you have kids or pets.
Don’t forget that even the best weed killer for lawns should be used sparingly, as it can harm the environment, kill beneficial insects and pollute the water system.
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