Does your perfect green lawn look more like a patchy, weed-infested battlefield? You carefully mow and water, but those unwanted invaders keep popping up, stealing your grass’s glory. It’s frustrating! When you finally decide to fight back, you face a confusing wall of choices: liquids, granules, spot treatments, and concentrates. Which one actually works best for your yard?
Choosing the right Lawn Weed Killer Concentrate can feel overwhelming. You worry about harming your healthy grass or buying a product that won’t touch those stubborn dandelions. You need power, but you also need safety and value. This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down what makes a concentrate effective, how to mix it correctly, and how to achieve that lush, weed-free carpet you dream about.
Keep reading to learn the secrets to successful, cost-effective weed control. By the end of this post, you will feel confident selecting and using the best concentrate for your lawn’s specific needs, turning your yard into the envy of the neighborhood.
Top Lawn Weed Killer Concentrate Recommendations
- KILLS WEEDS, NOT THE LAWN: Won’t harm lawns when used as directed – kills more than 200 types of weeds as listed
- CONTROLS ALL MAJOR BROADLEAF WEEDS: Controls dandelion, chickweed and clover (see product label for complete list)
- KILLS THE ROOT: See overnight results
- RAINPROOF: Rainfall or watering 6 hours after application will not wash away effectiveness
- COVERAGE: 40 ounce bottle treats up to 20,000 square feet
- Kill crabgrass, dandelion, clover, and other listed common weeds in your lawn with Ortho WeedClear Lawn Weed Killer Concentrate
- This fast-acting weed control kills listed weeds to the root and gets results with 1 application
- Use this lawn weed killer on grasses including Bermudagrass, Buffalograss, Fescues, Kentucky Bluegrass, Ryegrass, and Zoysiagrass
- Dilute this weed killer concentrate per label directions and apply using an Ortho Dial N Spray or tank sprayer
- This 32 fl. oz. container of Ortho WeedClear Lawn Weed Killer Concentrate treats up to 5,000 sq. ft.
- KILLS THE WEEDS, NOT THE LAWN: Won’t harm lawns when used as directed – see results in hours.
- KILLS ALL MAJOR BROADLEAF WEEDS: Kills dandelion, chickweed and clover (see product label for complete list).
- KILLS WEED ROOT: Kills more than 200 types of weeds as listed.
- RAINPROOF IN HOURS: Rainfall or watering 6 hours after application will not wash away effectiveness.
- COVERAGE: 1 gallon bottle treats up to 32,000 square feet of Northern Grasses or 42,500 square feet of Southern grasses.
- Low, economical use rate of 1 to 4 pints per acre
- Controls many broadleaf weeds & woody plants
- Use in turf, pastures, rangeland, ditch banks, fences…
- ALL-IN-ONE FORMULA: BioAdvanced's All-in-One formula kills listed lawn weeds and crabgrass without harming the lawn
- KILLS TOUGH WEEDS: Control over 200 broadleaf weeds like dandelion, clover, and crabgrass using our powerful weed killer concentrate
- DOWN TO THE ROOT: BioAdvanced All-In-One Lawn Weed and Crabgrass Killer I penetrates and removes tough listed weeds down to the root
- RAINPROOF IN ONE HOUR: Our weed killer concentrate formula is rainproof in one hour, providing protection that wont wash away
- EASY-TO-USE CONCENTRATE: Easily apply with our concentrated formula, perfect for targeting weeds in your lawn, and compatible with various grass types
- Use Ortho WeedClear Weed Killer for Lawns Concentrate to kill over 250 listed weeds including dandelion and clover down to the root, without harming your lawn (when used as directed)
- This weed control product is rainproof in 1 hour and produces results in just 1 application
- Use to kill weeds in turfgrasses including St. Augustinegrass (not Floratam), Bermudagrass, Centipedegrass, Zoysiagrass, Buffalograss, and Bahiagrass, Kentucky Bluegrass, Ryegrass, Tall Fescue, and Fine Fescue
- Apply this lawn weed killer concentrate using a tank sprayer or Ortho Dial N Spray hose-end sprayer to small, actively growing weeds when daytime temperatures are below 90°F
- This 1 gal. container of Ortho WeedClear Weed Killer for Lawns Concentrate treats up to 64,000 sq. ft.
- KILLS WEEDS, NOT THE LAWN: Controls listed weeds – including crabgrass – not the lawn (when used as directed).
- KILLS CRABGRASS: Apply the first time you see crabgrass in your lawn.
- KILLS 470+ TYPES OF WEEDS: Controls all types of listed broadleaf and grassy weeds, including crabgrass, dandelion, chickweed, clover and yellow nutsedge (see product label for complete list).
- RAINPROOF: Rainfall or watering 3 hours after application will not wash away effectiveness.
- COVERAGE: 32 ounce bottle treats up to 5,000 square feet.
- Weed killer for lawns: Kill weeds including dandelion, dollarweed, chickweed, and clover without harming your lawn (when used as directed) with Ortho WeedClear Lawn Weed Killer Concentrate2
- Fast-acting weed control: This weed control product kills over 250 listed weeds, including dandelion, clover, chickweed, creeping charlie, and dollarweed, and produces results in hours
- Broadcast treatment for weeds: Won't harm grass when used as directed - use on Bahiagrass, Bentgrass, Bermudagrass (hybrid and common), Buffalograss, Centipedegrass, Fescue, Kentucky Bluegrass, Zoysiagrass, and St. Augustinegrass (except Floratam)
- Weed killer concentrate: Apply using a tank sprayer or Ortho Dial N Spray hose-end sprayer to small, actively growing weeds when daytime temperatures are below 90°F
- Coverage: This 32 fl. oz. container of Ortho WeedClear Weed Killer Concentrate2 treats up to 10,600 sq. ft. (varies by grass type, see label for application rates)
Your Guide to Choosing the Best Lawn Weed Killer Concentrate
Tired of fighting dandelions and crabgrass? Lawn weed killer concentrate is a powerful tool for a beautiful yard. This guide helps you pick the right one for your lawn care needs.
1. Key Features to Look For
When shopping for a concentrate, several features make a big difference in how well it works and how easy it is to use.
Selective vs. Non-Selective
- Selective Weed Killers: These are smart choices. They only kill specific weeds, like broadleaf types (dandelions, clover). They leave your healthy grass unharmed. Most homeowners prefer these.
- Non-Selective Weed Killers: These kill everything they touch—weeds and grass. Use these only for clearing paths, driveways, or spot-treating stubborn areas where you want zero growth.
Weed Spectrum
Check the label to see which weeds the product targets. Some only fight broadleaf weeds, while others handle grassy weeds too. Ensure the label lists the weeds currently bothering your lawn.
Rainfastness
This is how long the product needs to stay dry on the leaves before rain washes it away. Look for products with short rainfast times (often 1-4 hours). This gives you a better window to spray.
2. Important Materials and Ingredients
The active ingredients determine the product’s power. You usually find these chemicals listed on the front or back label.
Common Active Ingredients
- 2,4-D, Dicamba, MCPP (or MCPA): These are common ingredients in selective broadleaf killers. They work by mimicking plant growth hormones, causing the weeds to grow themselves to death.
- Glyphosate: This is the main ingredient in many non-selective killers. It stops the weed’s ability to make food.
Concentration Level
Since you are buying a concentrate, the percentage matters. A higher concentration means you get more “killing power” from the bottle, often making it more cost-effective over time. Remember, you must dilute concentrates with water before spraying.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of your weed killer depends on several factors related to its formulation and how you apply it.
Temperature and Weather
Most weed killers work best when the weather is warm (usually 60°F to 85°F) but not extremely hot. High heat can reduce the product’s effectiveness or cause damage to your desirable turfgrass. Always check the label for ideal temperature ranges.
Absorption Enhancers
Some high-quality concentrates include surfactants (sticking agents). These help the liquid spread evenly over the waxy leaf surface and stick better, which improves absorption and killing power.
Storage
Poor storage reduces quality. Keep concentrates sealed tightly and away from freezing temperatures or extreme heat. Freezing can sometimes ruin the chemical mixture.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Using a concentrate requires proper measuring and mixing. A good user experience means clear instructions and quick results.
Mixing Accuracy
The biggest factor affecting user experience is mixing. If you use too little product, the weeds survive. If you use too much, you waste money and might harm your lawn. Always use a clean measuring cup and follow the dilution ratios exactly.
Application Tools
You will need a pump sprayer or a backpack sprayer. The concentrate should mix easily with water in the tank without clogging the nozzle.
Speed of Results
Users generally prefer faster results. Some products show visible wilting within 24 hours, while others take a week or more. Faster results offer better feedback that the product is working correctly.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Lawn Weed Killer Concentrate
Q: What is the main benefit of buying a concentrate instead of a ready-to-use spray?
A: Concentrates usually cost less money per gallon of mixed spray. You also only store the small bottle until you need it.
Q: How do I figure out how much water to add to the concentrate?
A: You must read the label carefully. It will give you a ratio, like “2 ounces per gallon of water.” Use a measuring tool to be exact.
Q: When is the best time of year to apply weed killer?
A: Spring and early fall are usually best. Weeds are actively growing during these times, which helps them pull the chemical down into their roots.
Q: Can I mow my lawn right before or right after spraying?
A: It is best to wait at least two days after mowing before spraying. Mowing cuts off the leaf surface, reducing the area where the chemical can be absorbed.
Q: Will this concentrate kill my desirable flowers or shrubs?
A: If you buy a selective product meant for lawns, it should not harm established shrubs or flowers, but drift is a risk. Avoid spraying near them on windy days.
Q: What should I do if the product mixes poorly with the water in my sprayer?
A: Check the instructions to see if you should add the concentrate to the water or the water to the concentrate first. Sometimes, shaking the sprayer often during application helps keep it mixed.
Q: How long must I wait before letting my pets or children back onto the lawn?
A: Wait until the treated area is completely dry. This is usually a few hours, but always check the specific drying time listed on the product label.
Q: What happens if it rains shortly after I spray?
A: If the rain happens before the “rainfast” window closes, the product washes off, and you lose effectiveness. You might need to reapply.
Q: Does this concentrate work on tough weeds like nutsedge?
A: Some common broadleaf concentrates do not kill grassy weeds well. You need a specialized product specifically labeled for nutsedge or crabgrass.
Q: Why are some concentrates more expensive than others?
A: Higher prices often reflect a broader range of active ingredients, better rainfastness, or the inclusion of ingredients that help the product stick to the weeds better.