Is your dream of a lush, green lawn constantly ruined by pesky dandelions and stubborn crabgrass? You spend hours mowing and watering, only to see those unwanted invaders pop up everywhere. It’s frustrating when nature decides your perfect lawn needs a few extra, uninvited guests.
Choosing the right weed killer adds another layer of confusion. Should you pick a liquid or a granular product? Do you need something that kills only the weeds, or one that feeds the grass too? The labels are full of confusing words like “selective,” “pre-emergent,” and “post-emergent.” Knowing which one works best for your yard and keeps your family and pets safe can feel like a science project.
Don’t worry; we are here to clear up the confusion. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about effective lawn weed killers. We will explain the different types, how they work, and which one is the perfect match for your specific lawn problems. Get ready to take back control of your turf.
Top Weed Killers For Lawns Recommendations
- 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.
- Weed killer for lawns: Use Ortho WeedClear Weed Killer for Lawns to kill over 250 listed weeds including dandelion and clover down to the root, without harming your lawn (when used as directed)
- Fast-acting weed control: Kills listed weeds like dandelion, clover, and chickweed down to the root and gets results with 1 application
- Spot treatment for weeds: Kills weeds not the lawn when used as directed - use on St. Augustinegrass (not Floratam), Bermudagrass, Centipedegrass, Zoysiagrass, Buffalograss, and Bahiagrass, Kentucky Bluegrass, Ryegrass, Tall Fescue, and Fine Fescue
- Spray weed killer: Apply this lawn weed killer to small, actively growing weeds when daytime temperatures are below 90°F
- Ready to use: This 1 gal. container of Ortho WeedClear Weed Killer for Lawns comes with the continuous-spray Comfort Wand applicator to easily spot treat weeds in your lawn
- KILLS WEEDS – NOT THE LAWN: When used as directed
- VISIBLE RESULTS IN 5 HOURS: Conquer unruly weeds and see visible results in as fast as 5 hours
- KILLS 470+ WEED TYPES AS LISTED: Kills broadleaf and grassy weeds including dandelion, chickweed and clover as well as crabgrass and yellow nutsedge – see product label for complete list of weed types
- KILLS THE ROOT: Kills weeds by contact down to the root
- READY-TO-USE FORMULA: No mixing required
- 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 & PREVENTS WEEDS* UP TO 6 MONTHS: Kills broadleaf weeds*, including Dandelion, Clover, Chickweed and Henbit with a proven blend of weed killers *Listed
- CRABGRASS PREVENTION: Prevents grassy and listed broadleaf weeds such as Crabgrass, Annual Bluegrass, Common Dandelion, Goosegrass and Spurge for up to 6 months
- IDEAL FOR SOUTHERN LAWNS: Improve your lawn care with this broadleaf weed killer that treats up to 4,000 square feet of southern turf, including all varieties of St. Augustinegrass and Floratam
- READY FOR THE SEASON: With one application, this crabgrass preventer offers season-long weed control
- SIMPLE APPLICATION: Apply these weed killer granules with a rotary or drop spreader and water lightly 24 hours after applying
- 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
- 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
Your Guide to Choosing the Best Weed Killers for Lawns
Weeds can quickly take over your beautiful lawn. Finding the right weed killer makes a big difference. This guide helps you pick the perfect product for a greener yard.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, focus on these important features. They tell you how well the product works and how safe it is.
Target Specificity
- Selective Killers: These are the best choice for most homeowners. They target broadleaf weeds (like dandelions and clover) but leave your grass unharmed.
- Non-Selective Killers: These kill everything they touch, including your lawn grass. Use these carefully only on driveways or bare spots.
Application Type
- Liquid Sprays: These mix with water and cover large areas quickly. They often work faster.
- Granular Products: These look like fertilizer pellets. You spread them with a spreader, and they activate when watered. They often last longer in the soil.
Speed of Action
Some weed killers start working in hours, showing visible results quickly. Others take several days to fully eliminate the weed. Decide if you need fast results or long-lasting control.
Important Ingredients and Materials
The active ingredients are what actually kill the weeds. Knowing them helps you compare products.
Common Active Ingredients
- 2,4-D, Dicamba, and MCPP: These are common in selective liquid killers. They disrupt the weed’s growth process.
- Glyphosate: This is the most famous non-selective killer. It moves throughout the entire plant, killing the roots.
Safety and Formulation
Check if the product is labeled “Pet Safe” or “Child Safe” once dry. Most lawn weed killers become safe for pets and kids shortly after the application dries completely. Always read the label regarding drying time.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of a weed killer depends on how well it works and how easy it is to use.
Factors That Improve Quality
- Rainfastness: A high-quality killer sets into the weed quickly. If rain falls too soon after application, it washes the product away, reducing effectiveness. Look for products that are rainfast within one to two hours.
- Systemic Action: Good weed killers move from the leaves down to the roots. This ensures the entire weed dies, preventing regrowth.
Factors That Reduce Quality
- Improper Mixing: If you use too little water or chemical, the product won’t work well. Too much chemical can damage your grass.
- Temperature: Most weed killers work poorly when it is too hot (over 90°F) or too cold (under 50°F). Applying at the wrong time reduces the quality of the kill.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the product matters for a good experience.
Ease of Application
Many ready-to-use spray bottles offer the simplest experience for beginners. If you have a large yard, buying concentrates and using a backpack sprayer might save money but requires more setup time.
Use Cases
- Spot Treating: If you only have a few weeds, use a small spray bottle to target them individually. This saves product.
- Lawn Renovation: If your lawn is overrun, you might use a non-selective killer first, wait for everything to die, and then reseed the area.
- Pre-Emergent Control: Some products stop seeds from sprouting. Use these in early spring before weeds appear for the best prevention.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Lawn Weed Killers
Q: How quickly should I see results after spraying?
A: Most selective liquid killers show yellowing or wilting within 2 to 7 days. Tougher weeds might take longer.
Q: Can I use weed killer if it might rain later today?
A: Check the label! Most products need 1 to 4 hours without rain to stick properly. If rain is guaranteed sooner, wait a day.
Q: Is it safe to mow my lawn right after applying weed killer?
A: Wait at least two days after application before mowing. Mowing too soon can remove the chemical before it works, or stress the grass.
Q: What is the best time of year to apply weed killer?
A: Spring and early fall are usually best. Weeds are actively growing then, so they absorb the chemical better.
Q: Do I need to water my lawn after applying granular weed killer?
A: Yes, almost always. Granules need water to dissolve and activate the chemical so it can reach the weed roots.
Q: Will this kill clover in my grass?
A: Look for a “selective broadleaf killer.” Clover is a broadleaf weed, and these products are designed to kill it without harming turfgrass.
Q: How long until my dog can safely play on the grass?
A: Wait until the treated area is completely dry to the touch. This usually takes a few hours, but always follow the specific directions on the bottle.
Q: What should I do if the weed killer damages my grass?
A: If you see grass turning brown, you likely used too much chemical or applied it on a very hot day. Lightly water the area to try and dilute the remaining chemical, and plan to reseed that spot later.
Q: Are organic weed killers as effective as chemical ones?
A: Organic options (like those based on vinegar or iron) often work faster on the surface but usually do not kill the roots as effectively as synthetic chemicals.
Q: Can I use the same sprayer for fertilizer and weed killer?
A: It is best practice to use separate sprayers. If you must use one, clean it thoroughly with soap and water multiple times before putting fertilizer in it.