Weed killers are helpful tools for farmers and home growers alike. But with so many different formats and formulas, how do you know which one is best for your particular needs?
We found the best weed killer products and sorted them below, with quick facts to help you understand how each one works. Read on to see our top picks, along with a simple buyer’s guide that’ll help you select the weed killer best for you!
Our Top Picks
Best Overall
Ortho GroundClear Year Long Vegetation Killer
Best Organic
Green Gobbler 20% Vinegar Weed & Grass Killer
Best for Lawns
Scotts Turf Builder Weed and Feed 3
Best Overall
Ortho GroundClear Year Long Vegetation Killer
For a fast-acting, non-selective weed killer that’ll blast away anything in its path, try Ortho GroundClear. This is the best weed killer for hard-to-kill invasive plants.
This product uses active ingredients pelargonic acid and isopropylamine salt (a form of glyphosate). It’s highly effective but also very hazardous and should be handled with care.
Pros
- Option for ready to use unit with attached sprayer
- Kills active weeds in 2-10 days
- Effective for killing crabgrass
- Penetrates below rock and gravel to kill weeds in driveways, patios, and paved areas
Cons
- Non-selective formula is not suitable for use on lawns
- Even in small concentrations, glyphosate is a possible carcinogen and must be handled and stored with extreme caution
- Can contaminate groundwater and render soil infertile
- Not suitable for use around children and animals
Best Organic
Green Gobbler 20% Vinegar Weed & Grass Killer Spray
The best weed killer for green gardeners is Green Gobbler 20% Vinegar Spray. This is a safer alternative to synthetic chemical weed killers.
Vinegar will kill or at least damage any plant it touches, so apply it carefully. Using vinegar to kill weeds requires multiple applications, but it can be highly effective over the long term.
Pros
- Kills active weeds within 1-2 weeks
- Safe for organic gardening
- Safest option for children, pets, wildlife, and the environment
Cons
- Non-selective formula is not suitable for use on lawns
- Requires multiple applications for best results
Best for Lawns
Scotts Turf Builder Weed and Feed 3
Have a turf lawn plagued by unsightly weeds? You need a selective weed killer that’s safe for use on grass.
The best weed killer for lawns is Scotts Turf Builder Weed and Feed 3. This is a post-emergent formula with mecoprop-p and 2, 4-D that not only wipes out live weeds, but also feeds your grass at the same time.
Pros
- Selective formula kills active weeds but not grass
- Added fertilizer greens and thickens grass
Cons
- Not effective for hard-to-kill crabgrass
- Not suitable for use around children and animals
Best Weed Preventer
Scotts Turf Builder Triple Action – Weed Killer & Preventer
For a slightly pricier but even more versatile best weed killer for your lawn, try Scotts Turf Builder Triple Action.
This selective formula also uses 2, 4-D and mecoprop-p to target and destroy invasive species without harming grass. In addition to killing live weeds, it also prevents their return in the next season. And added fertilizer thickens grass as well, improving your lawn’s appearance and crowding out weed roots.
Pros
- Selective formula kills active weeds but not grass
- Added fertilizer greens and thickens grass
- Prevents weeds from returning after removal
Cons
- Pricier option
- Not suitable for use around children and animals
Best Budget Option
Spectracide Weed & Grass Killer 2
Treating a small space on a budget? Spectracide Weed & Grass Killer 2 is the best weed killer you can find for under $10, and it also comes in an easy-to-use liquid spray format.
Pros
- Budget option under $10
- Ready to use spray format
- Kills active weeds within 1-2 days
Cons
- Non-selective formula is not suitable for use on lawns
- Small format is not conducive for spraying large areas
- Requires multiple applications for lasting results
Best Weed Killer Buyer’s Guide
The best weed killer for you should be effective against the particular weeds you’re fighting. It should also be a product you can handle safely and use easily. Here are some things to consider before buying:
- Effectiveness Against Specific Weeds: Look for a weed killer that targets the particular weeds you’re dealing with.
- Safety and Ease of Use: Ensure it can be handled safely and applied easily.
Understanding Types of Weed Killers:
- Nonselective vs. Selective Weed Killers: Nonselective weed killers eliminate all vegetation they come into contact with, while selective ones target specific types of weeds without harming desirable plants.
- Preemergent vs. Postemergent Weed Killers: Preemergent weed killers prevent weed seeds from sprouting, while postemergent ones tackle existing weed growth.
Comparing Liquid Sprays and Granular Herbicides:
- Liquid Sprays: Fast-acting and offer precise application, ideal for targeting specific areas.
- Granular Herbicides: Commonly used on lawns, these may offer slower but more comprehensive coverage.
Considering Weed Killer Ingredients:
- Natural and Organic Options: These are safer for pets, wildlife, and the environment but may require more frequent applications.
- Synthetic Chemical-Based: Effective, but they carry potential risks to human health and the environment, so it’s essential to follow safety guidelines.
Key Factors to Look for:
- Identification of Weeds: Determine the type of weeds you’re dealing with before selecting a weed killer.
- Convenience and Value: Evaluate the ease of use and cost-effectiveness of the product over time.
Maximizing Effectiveness with Proper Practices:
- Safe Handling and Storage: Utilize appropriate protective gear and store weed killers securely to prevent accidents.
- Equipment Considerations: Invest in quality sprayers or spreaders to ensure even application and better results.
Time to Choose the Weed Killer Best for You!
Now you’ve seen our picks for the best weed killer products to green and clean up your lawn and garden. Time to pick your poison and kill those weeds!
If you feel like you need to learn more about these pesky garden tenants, check out our weeds page to learn all about different weed varieties, treatment options, and surprising information.