Is your beautiful green lawn suddenly dotted with unwelcome, stubborn weeds? You know the ones—those pesky invaders that pop up no matter how often you pull them by hand. It is frustrating when dandelions and crabgrass try to take over your perfect turf. Choosing the right weed spray can feel like navigating a jungle of confusing labels and chemical names. Do you need a selective spray? A non-selective one? Will it harm your grass or your pets?
These are the tough questions every homeowner faces. Getting it wrong means wasting money on ineffective products or, worse, damaging the lawn you worked so hard to maintain. But don’t worry! We have dug deep into the world of lawn weed control to bring you clear, simple answers.
By the end of this post, you will understand exactly which weed spray fits your needs best. We will break down the differences between popular options, offer easy application tips, and help you achieve that lush, weed-free yard you dream about. Get ready to reclaim your lawn—let’s dive into the best weed sprays available!
Top Weed Spray For Lawn 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.
- 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
- Scotts Liquid Turf Builder with Plus 2 Weed Control kills weeds and gives your lawn a quick boost of nitrogen to promote greening
- Liquid weed killer plus fertilizer controls dandelion, clover, ground ivy, henbit, chickweed, plantain, poison ivy, and other broadleaf weeds as listed
- Apply this ready-to-spray weed and feed when weeds are actively growing
- This lawn care product is for use on Bluegrass, Fescue, Ryegrass, Bahiagrass, Common Bermudagrass, Centipedegrass, and Zoysiagrass
- One 32 fl. oz. container of Scotts Liquid Turf Builder with Plus 2 Weed Control provides coverage of 6,000 sq. ft. for warm season lawns and 4,000 sq. ft. for cool season lawns
- 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
- REFILL FOR USE WITH ACCUSHOT SPRAYER: Remove cap and replace with reusable AccuShot cap and Sprayer
- Use Ortho WeedClear Weed Killer for Lawns Ready-To-Spray to kill weeds down to the root, without harming your lawn (when used as directed); you'll see visible results in hours
- KILLS WEEDS: This lawn weed killer kills over 250 common weeds, including dandelions, clover, poison ivy, chickweed, and dollarweed (see product label for complete weed list)
- LAWN FRIENDLY: It contains three proven ingredients that target common lawn weeds, so it won’t harm your grass (when used as directed)
- RESULTS YOU CAN SEE: Visible results in hours; rainproof in 1 hour upon drying; people and pets may enter the treated area after the spray has dried
- EASY TO USE: To apply, connect your garden hose to the sprayer and set the nozzle to your desired setting
The Essential Buying Guide for Weed Sprays for Your Lawn
Keeping your lawn green and weed-free takes work. A good weed spray makes that job much easier. This guide helps you pick the best one for your yard.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, look closely at what the spray promises to do. These features matter most for a great lawn.
Selective vs. Non-Selective
- Selective Weed Killers: These are your best friends for lawns. They kill specific weeds, like dandelions or clover, but leave your healthy grass unharmed.
- Non-Selective Weed Killers: These kill everything they touch, including your grass. Use these only on driveways, sidewalks, or bare patches where you want zero plants.
Broadleaf vs. Grassy Weed Control
Weeds come in two main types. Make sure your spray targets the ones bothering you.
- Broadleaf Killers: These tackle weeds with wide, flat leaves (like plantain or chickweed). Most common lawn weeds are broadleaf.
- Grassy Weed Killers: These target grassy weeds that look like grass but aren’t the right kind (like crabgrass).
Pre-Emergent vs. Post-Emergent
This decides when you spray.
- Pre-Emergent: This spray creates a barrier in the soil. It stops weed seeds from sprouting in the first place. You apply this early in the spring.
- Post-Emergent: This kills weeds that are already growing tall. You spray this directly onto visible weeds.
Important Materials and Ingredients
The chemicals inside the bottle determine how strong the spray is. Always check the active ingredients list.
Common Active Ingredients
- 2,4-D, Dicamba, MCPP: These are very common ingredients in selective broadleaf killers. They work well together to eliminate tough weeds.
- Glyphosate: This is the main ingredient in many non-selective sprays. It is very effective at killing nearly all plants.
- Prodiamine or Dithiopyr: These are often found in pre-emergent products designed to stop crabgrass.
Safety Note: Always read the label. Some chemicals require pets and children to stay off the lawn until it dries completely.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
A high-quality spray does its job quickly and lasts a long time. Low-quality sprays often require multiple applications.
What Makes Quality Better?
- Rainfastness: A good spray sticks to the weed quickly, often within an hour. This means if it rains soon after spraying, the product still works.
- Concentrate vs. Ready-to-Use (RTU): Concentrates often give you better value because you mix them yourself. RTU bottles are easier for small jobs but cost more per ounce.
- Systemic Action: The best sprays are systemic. The weed absorbs the chemical, and it travels through the plant, killing the roots. This stops the weed from growing back.
What Reduces Quality?
- Poor Application Equipment: If the sprayer leaks or the nozzle clogs, you cannot apply the product evenly.
- Improper Timing: Applying a pre-emergent too late in the season means it will not work. Applying a post-emergent on a very hot, dry day might burn your grass instead of killing the weeds.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you plan to use the spray affects what you should buy.
For Large Yards
If you have a big lawn, look for a large concentrate jug. You will need a tow-behind or backpack sprayer. These save time and money.
For Small Patches or Driveways
A ready-to-use spray bottle with a built-in sprayer is perfect. You simply point and spray the stubborn weeds along the sidewalk or patio cracks.
For Quick Results
If you need to see results fast, choose a post-emergent spray that contains a “visual indicator.” This means the spray turns the weed a different color (often purple or blue) so you know exactly where you treated.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Lawn Weed Sprays
Q: How long until I see weeds die after spraying?
A: Most post-emergent sprays start showing results within 24 to 72 hours. Full weed death, including the roots, can take one to two weeks.
Q: Can I use a weed killer if I just seeded my lawn?
A: No. Most weed killers will harm new grass seedlings. Wait until your grass has been mowed at least three times before applying any selective weed killer.
Q: When is the best time of day to spray weeds?
A: Spray in the early morning when the air is calm and temperatures are mild (between 60°F and 85°F). Avoid spraying when it is windy or very hot.
Q: Is it safe for my dog to go on the lawn after spraying?
A: Check the product label. Most sprays require a waiting period, usually until the spray has completely dried, before pets or children can safely walk on the grass.
Q: What is the difference between a liquid spray and a granular weed killer?
A: Liquid sprays are absorbed quickly through the leaves. Granular products often contain a pre-emergent that mixes with the soil or need rain to activate and move into the soil.
Q: My weeds look brown, but they are still there. What should I do?
A: The top part died, but the roots survived. You might need a second application after two weeks, or you used a spray that was not systemic.
Q: Does rain wash away the weed killer?
A: Good products are “rainfast” within one hour. If rain falls before that time, the effectiveness is reduced, and you might need to reapply.
Q: Can I use the same sprayer for fertilizer and weed killer?
A: It is strongly recommended that you do not. Trace amounts of weed killer left in the sprayer can damage or kill your grass when you use it for fertilizer later.
Q: What should I do if I accidentally spray grass with a non-selective killer?
A: Immediately water the area heavily with plain water to try and dilute the chemical. You must remove the grass that was hit and reseed the area once the soil has rested.
Q: How often should I apply a pre-emergent?
A: Pre-emergents usually need to be applied twice a year: once in early spring (before soil temps reach 55°F) and again in the late summer or early fall to stop winter weeds.