Does your perfect green lawn secretly hide unwelcome, stubborn weeds? You spend hours mowing and watering, only to see dandelions and clover popping up everywhere. It’s frustrating! Choosing the right weed spray feels like a huge guessing game. Should you use a liquid or a granular product? Will it harm your grass? These questions stop many homeowners from getting the beautiful yard they want.
Dealing with lawn weeds can feel overwhelming. Many products promise miracles but deliver disappointing results, or worse, damage your healthy turf. We understand that you need clear, simple advice to fight back against these unwanted guests effectively. This guide cuts through the confusion.
By the end of this post, you will know exactly which weed sprays work best for different types of weeds and lawns. We will break down the science into easy steps so you can buy with confidence. Get ready to take control of your lawn care routine and enjoy a truly weed-free space!
Top Weed Spray 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.
- 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
- 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
- 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.
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Weed Spray for Lawns
Tired of pesky weeds ruining your beautiful green lawn? Choosing the right weed killer spray makes all the difference. This guide helps you select the best product for a weed-free yard.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for weed spray, several features matter most. These determine how well the product works and how safe it is for your grass.
1. Selective vs. Non-Selective
- Selective Weed Killers: These sprays target specific weeds, like dandelions or clover, without harming your desirable lawn grass. This is usually what homeowners need.
- Non-Selective Weed Killers: These kill everything they touch, including your grass. Use these only for clearing driveways or patios, not your lawn.
2. Systemic vs. Contact Action
- Systemic Sprays: These chemicals enter the weed through the leaves and move down to the roots. They offer a more complete kill, preventing regrowth.
- Contact Sprays: These only burn the parts of the weed they touch. Fast-acting, but the roots might survive and regrow later.
3. Pre-Emergent vs. Post-Emergent
- Post-Emergent: Kills weeds that are already growing (the most common type).
- Pre-Emergent: Creates a barrier in the soil that stops weed seeds from sprouting. Use this early in the spring to prevent future problems.
Important Materials and Ingredients
The active ingredients tell you exactly what the spray does. Read the label carefully.
Common Active Ingredients (For Selective Lawn Use):
- 2,4-D, Dicamba, MCPP: These are common herbicides that effectively control broadleaf weeds. They are usually safe for common turfgrasses when used correctly.
- Glyphosate: This is a powerful non-selective ingredient. Avoid products heavy in this if you only want to target weeds in the grass.
Safety Components:
Look for products labeled as “Safe for Pets and Kids After Drying.” This means once the spray dries completely, the chemicals become inert, making it safer for your family to use the lawn.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of a weed killer depends on its formula and packaging.
Factors That Improve Quality:
- Rainfastness: High-quality sprays dry quickly. If rain comes shortly after application, a good product will stick to the weed and still work. Check the label for how long you must wait before rain.
- Concentrate vs. Ready-to-Use: Concentrates often provide better value and allow you to mix a custom strength, but they require careful measuring.
- UV Protection: Some formulas break down slower in the sun, giving the active ingredients more time to work.
Factors That Reduce Quality:
- Weak Dosing: Products with low concentrations of active ingredients often require multiple applications.
- Odor: Strong chemical smells reduce the user experience. Look for low-odor options if sensitivity is an issue.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you plan to use the spray affects what you should buy.
Application Methods:
- Ready-to-Spray (Hose End): These attach directly to your garden hose. They are very easy to use for large areas.
- Pump Sprayer (Handheld or Backpack): These require you to mix a concentrate or pour a ready-to-use solution into a separate sprayer. They give you more control over where you spray, which is good for small patches or spot treating.
Common Use Cases:
- Total Lawn Overhaul: If you have a severe weed problem, you might use a pre-emergent early, followed by a systemic post-emergent application later in the season.
- Spot Treatment: If you only have a few weeds, use a targeted spray bottle to conserve product and avoid spraying healthy grass unnecessarily.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Lawn Weed Spray
Q: How quickly will the weed spray start working?
A: Most fast-acting contact sprays show results (wilting or yellowing) within a few hours. Systemic killers take longer, sometimes several days, to kill the roots.
Q: When is the best time of year to spray my lawn?
A: Early spring and early fall are usually the best times. Weeds are actively growing during these seasons, allowing them to absorb the spray most effectively.
Q: Can I use this weed killer if it’s windy?
A: No. Avoid spraying when winds are above 5 to 10 mph. Wind causes “spray drift,” which carries the chemicals onto garden plants or neighboring lawns, potentially causing damage.
Q: How long must I wait before mowing after spraying?
A: Wait at least two to three days after application before mowing. This gives the systemic chemicals time to travel down to the roots.
Q: Is weed spray harmful to earthworms?
A: Most selective lawn weed killers are designed to have minimal impact on beneficial soil organisms like earthworms when used according to the directions.
Q: Do I need to water my lawn before or after spraying?
A: Check the label. Some products work best on dry weeds, while others require damp soil for the roots to actively pull the chemical in.
Q: What does “broadleaf” mean on a weed killer bottle?
A: Broadleaf refers to weeds that have wide, flat leaves, like dandelions or plantain. Grasses have long, narrow blades.
Q: Can I use leftover mixed spray next time?
A: Never store mixed concentrates. Always mix only what you plan to use immediately, as the chemical effectiveness breaks down quickly once mixed with water.
Q: Will this kill crabgrass?
A: Crabgrass is a type of grass, so standard broadleaf weed killers will not affect it. You need a specific product labeled to control crabgrass.
Q: What safety gear should I wear?
A: Always wear long pants, closed-toe shoes, and chemical-resistant gloves. Safety glasses are also a good idea to protect your eyes from splashes.