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Weeds in your lawn and garden can steal nutrients and water away from your plants, and can even steal sunshine. Additionally, weeds can be homes to unwanted pests that can cause havoc on your plants. In this buying guide, our team closely examines some of the best weed killers available today. We’ll take a closer look at lawn weed killers, non-specific herbicides, pre-emergent weed control, and even some pet-safe herbicides that work well in organic gardens.
Below, we’ll review our top picks, key features, benefits, and limitations to provide you with all you need to make an informed decision. Overall, we recommend, Sunday Weed Warrior Herbicide Concentrate and Green Gobbler Vinegar Weed & Grass Killer as our top choices.
Top 6 Weed Killers
- Best Weed Killer Concentrate: Sunday Weed Warrior Herbicide Concentrate
- Best Non-Toxic Weed Killer: Green Gobbler Vinegar Weed & Grass Killer
- Best Weed Killer for Large Areas: RM43 43% Glyphosate Plus Weed Preventer
- Best Weed and Grass Killer: Spectracide Weed & Grass Killer
- Best Weed Killer for Lawns: Roundup All-in-One Weed Killer for Lawns
- Best Weed Killer for Flower Beds: Ortho GroundClear Weed & Grass Killer
Compare Top Weed Killers
| Product | Targets | OMRI Listed | Active Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday Weed Warrior Herbicide | Bluegrass, chickweeds, algae, sorel, lichen, and more | Yes | Ammoniated soap of fatty acids | 27 ounces |
| Green Gobbler Vinegar Weed & Grass Killer | Crabgrass, dandelions, clovers, and more | Yes | 20% ethanol vinegar | 32 ounces |
| RM43 43% Glyphosate Plus Weed Preventer | Brush, grasses, trees, vines, weeds | No | Glyphosate, imazapyr | 128 ounces (1 gal) |
| Spectracide Weed & Grass Killer | All vegetation | No | Diquat dibromide, fluazifop-p-butyl and dicamba, dimethylamine salt | 64 ounces |
| Roundup All-in-One Weed Killer for Lawns | Crabgrass, dandelions, nutsedge, and more | No | MCPA, dimethylamine salt, Quinclorac, dicamba, sulfentrazone | 170 ounces (1.33 gal) |
| Ortho GroundClear Weed & Grass Killer | All weeds and grasses | Yes | Ammonium nonanoate | 128 ounces (1 gal) |
| Product | Targets | OMRI Listed | Active Ingredients | Quantity |
Best Weed Killer Concentrate
Sunday Weed Warrior Herbicide
- $32
Prices taken at time of publishing.
This Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) listed non-selective herbicide uses ammoniated soap of fatty acids to eliminate bluegrass, chickweed, crabgrass, corn spurry, dandelion, groundsel, lambsquarters, mouse-eared chickweed, mustards, plantain, redroot pigweed, round-leaved mallow, sheep sorrel, shepherd’s-purse, stinkweed, thistle, moss, algae, and lichens.
Pros Features OMRI-listed herbicidal soapYields visible results in as little as 20 minutesWorks in flower beds, near patios, along sidewalks, in mulched areas, and more
ConsMay require recurring applications in some casesNot for use on lawns
What Customers Are Saying
We reviewed dozens of customer comments for Weed Warrior. We learned that satisfied customers are particularly fond of Sunday herbicides for their non-toxic, natural, and organic-compatible formulas and report great success in non-selective weed control applications. However, our team also found reviews from a few customers who claimed that weeds grew back in place after some time had elapsed.
Best Non-Toxic Weed Killer
Green Gobbler Vinegar Weed & Grass Killer
- $29
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Without harsh chemicals or glyphosate, this natural weed killer from Green Gobbler is effective on surfaces ranging from sidewalks to flower beds. It provides fast-acting, visible results within 24 hours of applying it. And, perhaps best of all, the vinegar-based weed-killing formula is pet-friendly and non-toxic.
ProsSafe for use around petsGlyphosate-free vinegar formula is 4x stronger than table vinegarDoesn't require dilution
ConsNot grass-safeGives off a strong odor
What Customers Are Saying
According to our verified buyer research, customers who left positive reviews liked that this product was inexpensive and safe for families with children and pets. However, our team also found reviews from a minority of dissatisfied customers that said it left an unpleasant smell and caused damage to wood surfaces.
Best Weed Killer for Large Areas
RM43 43% Glyphosate Plus Weed Preventer
- $119
Prices taken at time of publishing.
This formula contains 43% glyphosate, an ingredient that kills existing weeds and sprouts and prevents germination of new weeds. RM43’s pre-emergent weed preventer is especially useful for driveways, manicured walkways, gravel, and pavement. One gallon of concentrated liquid covers over 17,000 square feet.
ProsHigh concentration works as an effective pre-emergent herbicideWorks well for targeted or generalized applicationsSingle application stays effective for up to 1 year
ConsApplication requires users to wear personal safety gearEliminates desirable vegetation if not used precisely
What Customers Are Saying
Our verified-buyer evaluations showed us a majority of highly positive reviews, and many customers stated this weed killer worked well on large areas and was simple to use. However, we learned from a handful of dissatisfied customers who said it took too long to kick in or was as effective as cheaper, generic brands.
Best Weed and Grass Killer
Spectracide Weed & Grass Killer
- $43
Prices taken at time of publishing.
This weed killer concentrate produces visible results within 3 hours of application. Spectracide controls weeds and all species of grass, so avoid using it on turfgrass. Instead, apply it precisely to areas like driveways, fences, flower beds, shrubs, and other non-grassy terrain. With multiple size and quantity options, you can choose the option that meets your yard’s specific needs best.
ProsYields visible results within 3 hours of applicationBecomes rainproof within 15 minutes of applicationEffective on driveways, fencing, flower beds, around shrubbery, and on sidewalks
ConsRequires manual dilutionHerbicidal compounds can damage lawns
What Customers Are Saying
Our customer research revealed many happy customers who said this product was long-lasting, fast-working, and persistent with tough weeds. However, we encountered some critical other reviews in which customers claimed that it caused damage to lawns and that it didn’t work as advertised.
Best Weed Killer for Lawns
Roundup All-in-One Lawn Weed Killer
- $28
Prices taken at time of publishing.
With the ability to kill over 250 types of weeds, including crabgrass, dandelions, and clovers, this herbicide eliminates almost every type of pesky weed it encounters. Roundup’s All-in-One formula won’t damage lawn grass, making it an ideal (albeit extremely chemically potent) lawn care formula.
ProsSold in concentrated and ready-to-spray formulasBecomes rainproof within 3 hours of applicationTargets weeds at the root
ConsNot safe for use around petsMay require multiple applications in some cases
What Customers Are Saying
We discovered that buyers who liked this weed killer said that it was easy to spread and killed multiple types of plants with a minimal amount of spray. On the other hand, our research also revealed some negative reviews due to Roundup’s toxic ingredients.
Best Weed Killer for Flower Beds: Ortho GroundClear Weed & Grass Killer
Ortho GroundClear Weed & Grass Killer
- $23
Prices taken at time of publishing.
With visible results in just 15 minutes, GroundClear’s weed and grass killer can eliminate unwanted vegetation from your flower bed or garden quickly. The ready-to-spray formula becomes rainproof in 2 hours and is particularly effective on densely packed terrain as well as fruit and vegetable garden beds.
ProsBecomes rainproof within 2 hours of applicationOMRI-listed as safe for organic gardensWorks on hardscapes, landscape beds, and troubled vegetable gardens
ConsEliminates all forms of vegetation exposed to itSignificantly less effective when applied to wet vegetation
What Customers Are Saying
According to our research, satisfied customers said this weed killer worked quickly, didn’t kill wanted plants, and featured a simple-to-operate nozzle and wand. However, our research also revealed that a few buyers found heavy applications ineffective at eliminating weeds entirely.
Weed Killer Buying Guide
Not all weed killers work well for every surface or weed. When deciding on a weed killer, it’s important to consider the type of weed you’re looking to combat, as well as the growth stage of the weed. Read our guide below for more information about choosing the best weed killer.
Types of Weed Control
Different types of weed killers are recommended for different types of plants and areas of application. Here are some common types of weed killers to look out for.
Contact Herbicides
This type of weed killer kills plants as soon as it makes contact with them. Contact weed killers don’t attack the root system. Instead, they weaken the plant after two or more applications. This type of weed killer is effective for annual weeds that consistently reappear.
Residual Herbicides
These weed killers poison the soil, killing all plants within the treated area. They can be long-lasting, so avoid using this type of weed killer in areas frequented by pets or containing edible plants.
Systemic Herbicides
Systemic weed killers are applied directly to the foliage of a plant. They take several weeks to start working, but they fight the plant’s internal root system. This type of weed killer is suitable for plants that are difficult to kill, such as dandelions and poison ivy.
Weed Emergence
Emergence refers to how far along the weed’s growth cycle that weed killer must be applied. Some weed killers are pre-emergent, meaning they should be applied to prevent weeds from growing.
Post-emergent weed killers are used for weeds that have already sprouted. They kill the plant while also ensuring it doesn’t grow back.
Selective and Non-Selective Weed Killers
If you’re using a weed killer on flower beds or gardens, using selective weed killers is critical, as they avoid beneficial plants and solely target weeds. Meanwhile, non-selective weed killers destroy all plants in the vicinity.
Common Weed Types
When it comes to weeds that can damage your lawn, some are particularly invasive and detrimental. Here are some of the most common weeds to look out for in your lawn:
Crabgrass
Crabgrass is an annual grass weed that spreads rapidly, forming dense patches that can choke out desirable grass species. It thrives in bare or thin areas of the lawn and can quickly take over your lawn if you don’t actively control it.
For more tips on how to fully remove crabgrass, check out the video below.
Dandelion
Dandelions are perennial broadleaf weeds with a deep taproot that allows them to survive and reproduce in various conditions. Their bright yellow flowers give way to fluffy seed heads that can disperse seeds over large areas, making them difficult to eradicate.
Broadleaf Plantain
Broadleaf plantain is a perennial weed with large, oval-shaped leaves that form a rosette pattern close to the ground. These weeds can tolerate compacted soil and spread rapidly. Plantain weeds are highly adaptable and can be challenging to eliminate once they begin to spread.
Common Purslane
Purslane is an annual succulent weed that forms low-lying mats. It has thick, fleshy leaves and can produce an abundance of seeds. Purslane is known for its ability to tolerate dry conditions and can quickly invade garden beds.
Creeping Charlie
Also known as ground ivy, creeping Charlie is a perennial weed that spreads by creeping stems. It forms dense mats and can smother grass and other plants. Creeping Charlie has vigorous growth and resilience, making it particularly difficult to control.
Canada Thistle
Canada thistle is a perennial weed with prickly leaves and pink or purple flowers. It spreads through an extensive root system and can quickly colonize large areas.
Japanese Knotweed
Japanese knotweed is an extremely invasive perennial plant that can grow rapidly, reaching heights of several feet at full growth. Its extensive root system can damage structures and disrupt native plant communities. Eradicating Japanese knotweed typically requires professional assistance.
Weed Killer FAQ
How do weed killers work?
Generally, weed killers are herbicides that interfere with weed growth by either destroying their root formation or restricting the growth and development of their cells, causing them to eventually die.
Are weed killers dangerous around pets?
It depends on the weed killer. Some aren’t safe for households with pets, while others are safe once dry. The safest option is a weed killer with an organic formula.
For specific guidance on herbicides and active ingredients to look out for, visit the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website.
What does OMRI mean?
OMRI stands for the Organic Materials Review Institute, a non-profit organization that provides independent reviews of products for organic farming and processing. OMRI reviews the ingredients and manufacturing processes to ensure they meet organic standards, and organic certifiers use their evaluations to determine if products are allowed for use in organic production.
What are the best weed killers for organic gardens?
Organic gardeners may prefer natural weed killers that vinegar, citric acid, clove oil, and other organic garden-friendly ingredients instead of harsh, noxious chemicals.
However, it’s important to note that even natural weed killers can harm desirable plants if not used correctly and can be toxic if consumed, so always read and follow the instructions carefully.
What is Glyphosate?
According to the EPA, “glyphosate is a widely used herbicide that controls broadleaf weeds and grasses.” It was approved for use in the United States in 1974 and continues to undergo re-evaluation and review by the EPA every 15 years.
How long does it take for weed killers to work?
Typical weed killers will take anywhere from 2–6 days to kill the root of a plant. Certain herbicides will produce faster results, but these herbicides kill the flowering part of the plant and not its root system.
Who This Weed Killer Guide Is For
Whether you’re a budding gardener, professional landscaper, or seasoned homeowner, an effective, safe weed killer can transform your outdoor space into an oasis.
How We Selected the Best Weed Killers
To provide our readers with the best weed killer recommendations possible, we rely on several key sources of information to help guide our selection process.
Initial Research: Our research process began by generating a list of weed killers with a significant number of verified-buyer reviews and an average customer review rating of 4–5 stars. We looked at positive and negative reviews alike, focusing on information from both satisfied and critical buyers.
Expert Insights: Through our years of experience, we’ve learned that listening to what others have to say is critical to building accurate, well-rounded articles. To complement our in-house expertise, our team looked for information from trusted publications and subject matter experts. We also drew insights from reader contributions.
Final Product Selection: We then pared the list down further by comparing each weed killer’s pros, cons, and means of application, then eliminating formulas that posed major health and safety concerns. We did all of this to find the best-in-class options for various vegetation types and scenarios.
Why You Can Trust Us
This Old House has empowered homeowners and DIYers for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement advice in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content.
Our small team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content. To date, we’ve published countless reviews of garden, lawn, and outdoor products—from fertilizer and garden hoses to patio furniture and snow blowers.
Once we conclude our research, we craft a comprehensive, user-friendly article of recommended products and additional information to help our readers make the best purchase.
Questions or Comments?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.
