Imagine your perfect, green lawn, smooth as velvet. Then, unwelcome invaders like stubborn weeds pop up, ruining the view. It’s frustrating, right? You want that beautiful yard, but those pesky intruders just won’t leave.
Choosing the right grass killer can feel like a jungle expedition. Should you use a spot treatment or kill everything? Will it harm your good grass? These tough choices often leave homeowners feeling confused and worried about damaging their landscape. Getting it wrong means more work and wasted money.
Don’t worry! This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down exactly what you need to know about grass killers. You will learn which products work best for different problems and how to use them safely. Get ready to take control of your yard!
Top Grass Killer For Lawns Recommendations
- Comes in 1 gallon jug with AccuShot sprayer
- AccuShot sprayer works on battery power and constantly sprays with no pumping required
- You'll see visible results in as little as three hours
- Kills the root of bothersome weeds and grasses
- Works great around trees, shrubs, in flower beds, on patios and walkways, and you can even replant flowers, trees and shrubs in the same weekend
- Roundup Weed & Grass Killer₄ kills tough weeds and grasses to the root, including dandelion, crabgrass, poison ivy, clover (red & white), spotted spurge, and other broadleaf weeds
- It is rainproof in as fast as 30 minutes and produces visible results in hours
- Allows for planting 1 to 30 days after application (see booklet for details)
- Use in or around flower beds and perennial landscape plants, around trees and shrubs, on patios, walkways, and driveways, gravel, or mulch beds, along fences and foundations, and edging around foundations and retaining walls
- The Pump ‘N Go 2 Sprayer with an extendable wand provides up to 10 minutes of continuous spray and provides greater accuracy without bending over
- KILLS WEEDS AND GRASSES: Use on driveways and walkways, and around fences, trees, flower beds, shrubs and other areas in your yard
- FAST-ACTING FORMULA: Visible results as fast as 3 hours – replant new flowers, trees and shrubs the same weekend
- RAINFAST: Rainfall or watering 15 minutes after application will not wash away effectiveness
- READY TO USE: Spray to completely cover the leaves of the target vegetation
- KILLS THE ROOT: Kills weeds and grasses as listed
- 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.
- People and pets may enter treated areas after spray has dried
- This fast-acting weed control product absorbs on contact to produce results in just 15 minutes, and is rainproof in 2 hours (upon drying)
- This weed and grass killer controls weeds in, on and around walkways and driveways, under trees, and in landscape beds; not for use on lawns or grasses you like
- Apply when weeds are small, actively growing and not wet from rain, dew or irrigation
- This 1 gal. container of Ortho GroundClear Weed & Grass Killer includes a Comfort Wand applicator to accurately target weeds you want to kill
- Roundup Dual Action 365 Weed & Grass Killer Plus 12 Month Preventer with Comfort Wand provides one-step weed protection for up to 12 months
- Our weed control kills and prevents many types of tough weeds and grasses for up to 12 months, including clover, dandelion, large and smooth crabgrass, poison ivy, and other broadleaf weeds, grassy weeds and brush
- Roundup Dual Action 365 Weed & Grass Killer Plus 12 Month Preventer with Comfort Wand is rainproof in as fast as 30 minutes and produces visible results in hours
- Use this weed preventer where you want to kill existing weeds AND prevent new weeds for up to 1 year, such as cracks and crevices in driveways, sidewalks, and walkways, patios, paths, and under decks, gravel areas, and other non-lawn areas
- The easy-to-use Comfort Wand with one-touch continuous spray means no more tired, aching hands
- Roundup Weed & Grass Killer₄ kills tough weeds and grasses to the root, including dandelion, crabgrass, poison ivy, clover (red & white), spotted spurge, and other broadleaf weeds
- It is rainproof in as fast as 30 minutes and produces visible results in hours
- Allows for planting 1 to 30 days after application (see booklet for details)
- Use in or around flower beds and perennial landscape plants, around trees and shrubs, on patios, walkways, and driveways, gravel, or mulch beds, along fences and foundations, and edging around foundations and retaining walls
- Roundup Weed & Grass Killer₄ Refill is the fast and easy way to refill your Weed & Grass Killer₄
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Lawn Grass Killers
Tired of stubborn weeds taking over your beautiful lawn? Choosing the right grass killer is key. This guide helps you pick the perfect product to reclaim your yard.
1. Key Features to Look For
When shopping, check the label carefully. Certain features make a product much more effective and safer for your existing lawn.
- Selective vs. Non-Selective: This is the biggest choice. Selective killers target specific weeds, often broadleaf types, while leaving your desirable grass unharmed. Non-selective killers wipe out everything they touch, including your good grass. Know what you want to kill!
- Speed of Action: Some products work fast, showing results in a few hours. Others take days. Faster action might be better if you need quick results before an event.
- Residual Effect: Does the product keep working after the initial spray? Some offer residual control, stopping new seeds from sprouting. Others stop working immediately after drying.
- Rainfastness: How soon after spraying can it rain? Look for products that are “rainfast” within one to four hours. This means light rain won’t wash away your hard work.
2. Important Ingredients and Materials
The active ingredients determine how the grass killer works. Understanding these helps you match the killer to the problem.
Systemic vs. Contact Killers
Most effective killers are systemic. They get absorbed by the plant and travel to the roots, killing the whole thing. Contact killers only burn the parts they touch.
- Glyphosate: This is the most common non-selective killer. It works systemically and kills almost all green plants. Use this carefully around desirable plants.
- 2,4-D, Dicamba, MCPP: These are common in selective broadleaf weed killers. They confuse the weed’s growth system, causing it to twist and die without harming most turf grasses like Fescue or Bermuda.
- Surfactants: Sometimes included, surfactants help the liquid stick to the weed’s waxy leaves, making the killer work better.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of a grass killer depends on how well it performs under real-world conditions.
Factors Improving Quality:
- Concentration: Higher concentrations often mean you need less product for the same result, which can be more cost-effective.
- Formulation: Liquids that mix easily with water usually spread more evenly than granular products.
- Temperature Range: High-quality products keep working effectively across a wider range of safe application temperatures.
Factors Reducing Quality:
- Drift Potential: Products that create a fine mist are prone to drifting onto neighboring gardens or flower beds, killing things you wanted to keep. Look for low-drift formulas.
- Improper Mixing: If the directions are confusing or the product clumps when mixed, the quality of the application suffers greatly.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
How you plan to use the product heavily influences your choice.
User Experience Tips:
Always wear protective gear like gloves and long sleeves. Read the label twice before mixing or spraying. Test a small area first if you are unsure how your grass will react.
Common Use Cases:
- Spot Treating: If you only have a few dandelions popping up, a handheld selective spray is perfect. You target the weed directly.
- Total Kill (Site Prep): If you are tearing out an old lawn to start over, a strong, non-selective product is necessary to clear the entire area completely.
- Edging Driveways/Patios: For cracks in concrete where you want absolutely no growth, a non-selective, fast-acting killer works best for clean lines.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Lawn Grass Killers
Q: Can I use a grass killer on a sunny day?
A: Yes, most products work best when the sun helps activate the chemicals. However, avoid spraying right before the hottest part of the day (over 90°F) as the product might evaporate too fast.
Q: How long until I can let my dog or kids back on the lawn?
A: This depends on the specific product. Generally, wait until the treated area is completely dry to the touch. Check the label, but often this means waiting one to four hours.
Q: Will a grass killer kill my established trees or shrubs?
A: Non-selective killers like Glyphosate can harm trees if they get on the leaves or the bark, especially young trees. Use extreme caution around the root zones of established trees.
Q: What is the difference between a weed killer and a grass killer?
A: “Weed killer” is a broad term. A *selective* grass killer is specialized to kill weeds without harming your lawn grass. A general “grass killer” usually means a non-selective product that kills all grass.
Q: If I use a selective killer, will the dead grass spots grow back?
A: The selective killer kills the weed plant, leaving a dead spot where the weed used to be. You will need to reseed or lay sod in that empty spot to fill it in with healthy lawn grass.
Q: Should I mow before or after applying the killer?
A: It is best to mow a few days *before* applying. Mowing too close to application can stress the weeds, making them harder to kill. Also, wait a week after spraying before mowing again.
Q: Do granular grass killers work as well as liquid ones?
A: Granular products work well if you have a spreader and can ensure even coverage. Liquids often provide faster initial contact and are better for spot treating specific, tough weeds.
Q: What happens if I accidentally spray my good grass with a non-selective killer?
A: The good grass will turn yellow quickly and eventually die. You must remove the dead material and reseed the area. Always use a shield or sprayer nozzle to prevent drift.
Q: How often can I safely apply a selective weed killer?
A: Most selective products can be safely applied every three to four weeks during the active growing season, following label instructions. Over-application can stress your lawn.
Q: Is it better to use a pre-emergent or a killer?
A: They do different jobs. A *pre-emergent* stops seeds from sprouting (preventative). A *grass killer* (post-emergent) kills weeds that are already growing (reactive).