When owning a garden, you'll spend a lot of time dealing with pesky weeds. When those weeds are few, the fastest and most environmentally friendly method of getting rid of them is simply picking them by hand or with a weeding tool. But when that's not practical or possible, a weed killer can do the job for you.
There are many different types of weed killers available, and for the best results, you need to choose a non-selective or selective weed killer. Non-selective weed killers, says Noah James, professional landscaper and owner of Liberty Lawn Maintenance, “are the sledgehammer of the weed control world. They’ll take out everything they touch.”
These products are unsafe for lawn use, but they are great for targeting weeds sprouting through pavers, along fences or walls, growing up through driveways or walkways, or removing weeds in garden beds. Selective weed killers eliminate certain plants but spare others. We recommend choosing a selective weed killer if you are treating a lawn or a garden bed where you don't want to injure the desirable plants.
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We tested eight different products at our homes, including a variety of weed killer types and brands. For each, we used the product on several different spots, including lawns, garden beds, walkways, patios, and along fences. We noted how easy it was to apply the weed killer initially and then observed its effectiveness over the next two weeks. We also considered the product's safety, especially in homes with kids or pets.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall:
Best for Landscaping:
Best for Gravel:
Best for Lawns:
Best Pre-Emergent:
Best for Flower Beds:
Best Organic:
Best for Crabgrass:
What We Like
Contains no harsh chemicals
Safe for pets and kids once dry
No dilution needed
Quick results
What We Don't Like
Trigger can stick between squeezes
Very strong vinegar odor
Not rain resistant
Our winner for best overall weed killer is this effective vinegar-based product from Green Gobbler. It's OMRI listed, meaning that the Organic Materials Review Institute has approved it as acceptable for use under the US Department of Agriculture's National Organic Program guidelines. This is a non-selective weed killer, so it is not for use in lawns; we put it to the test on a variety of weeds growing along a stone pathway, stairs, and sidewalk.
The product requires no mixing, and the container comes with a spray trigger head, which makes it basically pick-up-and-go. While we liked that convenience, we did find that the spray trigger tended to get stuck, meaning that we had to wait for a few seconds between each squeeze of the trigger. However, it was easy to target weeds without overspray drifting onto nearby desirable plants.
Upon spraying the weeds, we first noticed the powerful odor of vinegar, which persisted for more than 30 minutes after using the weed killer. The next thing we noticed was the quick results; within a few hours, the weeds were beginning to turn yellow, and by the next day, all of the sprayed weeds were dry and dead, except for some dandelions. We gave those a second treatment, which did the trick. It was then very easy to remove the dead weeds by hand.
As we tested this weed killer at a home with pets, we especially liked that it's listed as safe for pets (and kids) to play and romp on the treated area once the spray is completely dry. The vinegar spray is effective on a wide range of annual and perennial weeds, as well as moss.
Use it to keep your walkways, pavers, driveway, and other landscaped areas free from weeds. You can also use it on mulched garden beds, but do not allow the spray to come into contact with your planted greenery. Note that it should be used when there is no rain in the forecast for at least a day, as effectiveness will be reduced if it rains before the product works its magic.
Application Type: Spray︱Targeted Plants: Crabgrass, dandelions, and many other weeds︱Rain Resistance Within: Not applicable︱Primary Active Ingredient: 20% Vinegar
What We Like
Can be mixed as needed
Kills many tough weed species
Rain-resistant in 6 hours
What We Don't Like
Slow acting
Not safe for all turf grasses
This 16-ounce bottle can treat up to 3,200 square feet of lawn or other garden areas, making this a good choice if you have a lot of weeds to tackle and don't want to spend a bundle. While this weed killer is very effective against a wide range of common and pesky lawn weeds, including dandelions, clover, oxalis, spurge, and chickweed, we were most excited about its effectiveness in killing wild violet, as that was our biggest problem in the tested area.
We already had a garden sprayer on hand, but be aware that if you don't have a suitable tank or hose sprayer, you'll need to purchase one before using the weed killer. While the weed killer did work, it wasn't especially fast, taking six days before we saw noticeable results. We found that it took even longer to kill clover and ground ivy. Still, it eventually got the job done, and we had no damage to our grass.
This selective herbicide is safe for use on many common types of lawn grasses, including buffalo grass, all types of fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, ryegrass, and zoysiagrass. However, do not use it on Bermuda grass, St. Augustine, or centipede grass. Note that after application, the lawn should not be mowed for at least two days.
Once sprayed, the weed killer is rain-resistant within 6 hours. Be sure to keep pets and kids completely off the treated grass for at least 24 hours, and ensure the grass is dry before they walk or play on it. This herbicide should be applied when there is no wind and the outdoor temperature is between 50 and 90 degrees.
Application Type: Concentrate spray︱Targeted Plants: Oxalis, chickweed, clover, and many other broadleaf weeds︱Rain Resistance Within: 6 hours︱Primary Active Ingredient: 8% Triclopyr, Triethylamine Salt
What We Like
Safe to replant in treated areas after 24 hours
Rainproof after 15 minutes
Starts to work within hours
What We Don't Like
No measuring cup or device for easy mixing
We put this non-selective weed killer to the ultimate test, taking on Japanese knotweed, an invasive, fast-growing weed that is very difficult to eradicate. While we still had to pull as much of the noxious weed by hand as possible, we found that spraying this highly effective weed killer from Spectracide on the affected areas every week worked wonders in preventing recurrences of the knotweed.
We also used the herbicide to kill other common weeds, including Creeping Charlie and poison ivy. In all instances, we were impressed with the weed killer's performance.
We sprayed the Spectracide along walkways and fences; it's also ideal for tackling weeds growing around or through patios, mulched garden beds, driveways, or along the house foundation. You'll start to see wilting and shriveling of smaller weeds as soon as 3 hours after drenching them with the herbicide, but it can take up to 2 weeks for large, tough weeds to perish. However, most weeds will eventually die right down to the root.
This is a concentrated formula that must be mixed with water before use. You'll want to apply it with a tank sprayer or other sprayer that makes it as easy as possible to target just the plants you want to kill, as this herbicide can and will kill off lawn grass and other desirable plants that it wets. If spraying near flowers or other small and delicate greenery, you can use a piece of plastic or cardboard as a shield.
If using the product to kill off weeds before planting new greenery, you can plant new shrubs, flowers, or trees within just 24 hours of application, but you'll need to wait a week before sowing seeds or laying down sod. Our only complaint about this effective weed killer is that it doesn't come with any measuring device or funnel to make mixing with water prior to spraying easier. We do love that it's rain-resistant within just 15 minutes of application. For best results, spray when the air temperature is above 60 degrees; the warmer the weather, the faster the results.
Application Type: Concentrated spray︱Targeted Plants: Broadleaf weeds and grasses︱Rain Resistance Within: 15 minutes︱Primary Active Ingredient: Diquat Dibromide
What We Like
OMRI listed
Battery powered trigger wand
Multiple spray patterns
What We Don't Like
Can harm grass and desirable plants
It can be difficult to eradicate weeds poking up through gravel, brick, or pavers. However, this effective herbicide from Ortho makes it much easier to tackle weeds growing in such hard-to-access spots thanks to its AA-battery-powered wand. We liked that the wand lets you choose from several different spray patterns to settle on the one best for your current needs. We found that the wide spray was best for handling weeds and grass growing in an area covered with river rock.
While we enjoyed the comfortable and easy-to-use battery wand, we were even more impressed with the effectiveness of this herbicide, which is OMRI-listed for organic gardening uses. We saw results within just 1 hour of drenching the weeds with the spray, although the largest weeds took a few days before they were entirely dry and dead. Even better, none of the treated weeds had begun to grow back by the end of our testing session.
The spray kills off just about any weed or grass, so be careful to prevent the herbicide from settling onto your lawn or desired flowers, vegetables, or shrubs. If killing weeds in a mulched garden bed, set the wand to the narrowest spray pattern and take care to only drench the weed, not the nearby plants. Ortho recommends using the product on a warm, sunny day without wind. Once the spray is dry, generally within 2 hours, it's rain-resistant and considered safe for people or pets to walk or play in the treated area.
Application Type: Spray︱Targeted Plants: Broadleaf weeds and grasses︱Rain Resistance Within: 2 hours︱Primary Active Ingredient: 5.0% Ammonium Nonanoate
What We Like
Effective against many hard-to-get-rid-of weeds
Works on many popular grass types
What We Don't Like
Directions are somewhat confusing
Not safe for St. Augustine lawns
Fighting lawn weeds can seem like a never-ending battle, but with this powerful selective herbicide from Southern Ag, you'll have the upper hand against even tough weeds like dandelions, ground ivy, thistle, clover, and spurge. This concentrated herbicide must be mixed with water before use and then sprayed with a tank sprayer designed to handle large volumes. While we found the product instructions to be a bit confusing—they are geared towards the commercial user, not residential users—once we figured out the ratio of herbicide to water, we were on our way and used the spray to eradicate dandelions crabgrass, purslane, giant hogweed, and clover.
While these were our primary weed types, the product also kills most other broadleaf weeds. It's safe for use on almost all common lawn grasses except bentgrass, St. Augustine, carpetgrass, centipedegrass, and dichondra. Of course, you can also use it in other garden areas, such as around shrubs, flowers, or trees, but don't let the spray drift directly onto those plants; you only want to drench the weeds themselves.
We first started to see the treated weeds wilting and dying within two days of application. However, as quite a bit of rain fell during that time, it's possible that the herbicide's effectiveness was slightly reduced, although the manufacturer doesn't specify the time needed for rain resistance. Still, all of the weeds we treated wilted, withered, and died, with no signs of regrowth during our testing sessions.
You should apply the herbicide on a warm day without wind and preferably without rain in the forecast for at least several days. Do not allow people or animals onto the treated lawn until the spray is completely dry, which could take up to 24 hours. If there are new or persistent weeds, you can reapply the herbicide 30 days later but do not use it more than twice a year.
Application Type: Concentrate spray︱Targeted Plants: Broadleaf weeds and grasses︱Rain Resistance Within: Not specified︱Primary Active Ingredient: Dimethylamine salt of 2,4-D-Dichlorophe noxyacetic acid
What We Like
Keeps weed seeds from sprouting for up to 3 months
Easy to apply
Not affected by rain
What We Don't Like
Can stain concrete or other hardscape
Preventing weeds from sprouting rather than dealing with them once they are actively growing can be most effective in the battle against weeds. For that, you need a pre-emergent product like this highly effective option we tested from Preen. Note that it will not kill weeds that are already above the ground; you'll need to first pull those manually or use a post-emergent weed killer before applying the Preen. We applied this granular product along a driveway and in a garden bed that had been cleared of obvious weeds.
The Preen was very easy to apply; we sprinkled it across the ground, following the package directions for coverage. We had rain shortly after application, but if there's no rain in your forecast, then you'll need to water the treated area so the granules can begin to dissolve. Once watered into the soil, it won't wash away with further rain or watering.
The manufacturer claims the product will continue to work for up to 3 months. While we can't yet vouch for that length of time, we observed no new weed growth in the treated area over the two-week testing period. In contrast, the control area, which was not treated, experienced significant weed growth during the same period. The weed preventative is effective against many common weeds and grasses, including purslane, foxtail, and crabgrass.
This isn't for lawn use, but it's a great option for other garden areas, including vegetable gardens, flower beds, underneath trees and shrubs, atop mulch, or along hardscaped areas where you don't want weeds to sprout. It should be applied when the existing plants are dry, so it won't stick to their leaves; you want it to drop on the ground. However, you'll want to sweep it off concrete or other hard surfaces, as it can stain those materials.
Application Type: Granular︱Targeted Plants: Many broadleaf weeds and grasses︱Rain Resistance Within: Not applicable︱Primary Active Ingredient: Trifluralin
What We Like
Protective cover on wand
Rain-resistant in just 10 minutes
Fast results
What We Don't Like
Active ingredient is Glyphosate
Pulling weeds by hand is generally the best method in small flower beds, but for larger beds or when you cannot get down in the dirt to manually remove weeds, we recommend this highly effective weed killer from Roundup. We used it in a garden bed and an area covered with landscape rocks with several common varieties of weeds, including dandelions, clover, curly dock, and grass, and by the next morning, all of them were dry and dead right down to the roots.
The weed killer comes in a ready-to-use bottle with a very handy "Sure Shot" wand that made it super easy to pinpoint the weed we were spraying rather than nearby greenery. But to make it even more fail-proof, there's also a small protective plastic cup at the end of the spray wand; we found that by using the cup to cover the weed being treated, overspray to nearby plants was pretty much eliminated.
This is a non-selective herbicide, so it is not safe for use on lawns. However, it would be ideal for killing weeds sprouting between pavers, along fences or foundations, in mulched garden beds, around trees, or in other areas where it's important to protect nearby surfaces from the herbicide spray.
According to Roundup, the weed killer is rain-resistant a mere 10 minutes after application, but do not let people or animals into the treated area until at least 24 hours have passed and the spray is completely dry. Use the herbicide when the air temperature is between 60 and 85 degrees for best results.
Application Type: Spray︱Targeted Plants: Broadleaf weeds and grasses︱Rain Resistance Within: 10 minutes︱Primary Active Ingredient: Glyphosate
What We Like
OMRI listed
Battery powered wand
Quick results
What We Don't Like
Not safe for lawns
Requires relatively frequent reapplications
If you're looking for a natural solution for pesky weeds sprouting up in walkways or planted areas, including garden beds, then we recommend this OMRI-listed grass and weed killer from Sunday. Its active ingredient is an herbicidal soap that dries out greenery upon contact, quickly leading to the death of the weed. You should start seeing wilting and shriveling within just 20 minutes of application, although it can take longer for the weed to fully die. Note that it's a non-selective weed killer, though, so it's not for use on lawns.
This ready-to-spray product comes in a container with a battery-powered wand sprayer that makes it easy to pinpoint just the weeds you want to eradicate, not the nearby greenery you want to preserve. It's effective against many common weeds, including plantain, mustard, thistle, dandelion, annual bluegrass, pigweed, and mallow. It also kills mosses, algae, and lichens. It won't stain bricks, concrete, or other nearby hard surfaces, but you should still aim to produce as little overspray as possible.
For best results, apply the spray daily without wind and air temperatures between 50 and 85 degrees. Once 3 hours have passed, it's rain-resistant. You'll need to reapply it every few weeks throughout the active weed-growing season. While this is an organic herbicide, keeping your pets and kids off the treated areas is still important until the spray is completely dry.
Application Type: Spray︱Targeted Plants: Many broadleaf weeds and grasses, algae, lichen, moss︱Rain Resistance Within: 3 hours︱Primary Active Ingredient: Ammoniated soap of fatty acids
What We Like
Pre-emergent and post-emergent
Safe for most lawn grasses
What We Don't Like
Won't kill or prevent dandelions
Crabgrass, more properly calledDigitaria sanguinalis,is known for its somewhat crab-like appearance and is one of the tougher weeds to eradicate. While we didn't personally test Preen's Crabgrass Control, our research indicates that this is a potent weapon in your lawn-care program.
Like other Preen products, this is primarily a pre-emergent, meaning that it prevents the crabgrass seeds from sprouting. That's by far the best method for handling this aggressive weed, but never fear; even if you miss that window, Crabgrass Control also helps to kill crabgrass that's already growing, as long as you catch it early enough. While it won't kill dandelions, it also effectively suppresses or prevents the growth of many common lawn weeds, including spurge, purslane, henbit, foxtail, and chickweed.
You'll need to apply this granular weed killer with your lawn spreader. It's safe for use on almost every type of popular lawn grass, even St. Augustine. Follow the package directions for the appropriate setting on your spreader, and you should have no issues with burns to your grass. Spread it across dry grass and then water it in well for the best results. Ideally, you should apply the product in early spring to catch the crabgrass before it sprouts, but it can also be used a second time in the fall if needed.
Application Type: Granular︱Targeted Plants: Crabgrass and many other broadleaf weeds and grasses︱Rain Resistance Within: Not applicable︱Primary Active Ingredient: Dithiopyr
Final Verdict
If you want a highly effective yet organic weed killer, then our top recommendation is Green Gobbler 20-Percent Vinegar Weed & Grass Killer. In our tests, it quickly withered and killed sprayed weeds, and it can be used in many different areas around the garden. However, if you need a weed killer that’s safe for use on lawns, then we recommend Southern Ag Amine 2,4-D Weed Killer. While not an organic product, it kills a very wide range of weed species and is safe for the most popular types of lawn grasses.
Other Options We Tested
Bonide Captain Jack's Deadweed Brew: While we like that this weed killer uses caprylic acid, an extract of coconut oil, as its main active ingredient, we didn't like that it is not OMRI listed as accepted for organic gardening. In our testing sessions, we found it to be quite effective against weeds—it killed all we treated within a couple of days—but it wasn't effective on the grass we sprayed. Still, this could be a solid choice if you are looking for a weed killer to use around a vegetable bed, flower bed, or other landscaped area.
How We Tested the Weed Killers
We tested eight different weed killers at our homes in various parts of the country. We included a mix of pre-emergent and post-emergent products and a mix of non-selective and selective weed killers. We made sure to include some weed killers that were organic and pet-friendly and also chose weed killers for a variety of uses, including lawns and hardscapes.
- Ease of Use: We started by noting how easy it was to understand and follow the product’s instructions. If mixing was required, we followed the guidelines for the weed killer-to-water ratio. If testing a granular weed killer that required a spreader, we followed the guidelines for spreader settings.While applying the weed killer, we noted how easy it was to achieve even coverage. We also considered how easy or difficult it was to use any included triggers, wands, or other application accessories.
- Effectiveness: In each case, we tested the weed killer in several different areas, including lawns (where appropriate), garden beds, underneath trees and shrubs, along fences and house foundations, and on weeds growing up through pavers or other surfaces. At the beginning of our two-week testing period, we noted the types and amounts of weeds in each test area. Over the next two weeks, we continued to monitor the treated areas, noting how quickly and completely the weeds died. We observed if any nearby foliage was affected or killed by the product. We also looked for weed regrowth or new sprouts.
- Safety: For each product, we followed the manufacturer’s guidelines for recommended protective wear, including gloves or eye protection. We also kept any children or pets away from the treated area during application and for as long as specified on the product instructions.
- Value: We evaluated each weed killer's positive and negative aspects in relation to its cost.
What to Look For in a Weed Killer
Active Ingredients
Weed killers contain one or more active ingredients. These are broadly divided into two groups: synthetic chemicals and natural or organic ingredients. Both have strengths and weaknesses.
According to James, “Organic herbicides, derived from natural sources, work more slowly but are less harsh on the environment. They’re effective, but you might need to be patient and persistent.”
One of the most common natural ingredients used in weed killers is vinegar, typically at concentrations of 20 percent or more, which is much higher than the 5 percent concentration you’ll normally find on your kitchen shelf. Other natural ingredients often used for weed killers include caprylic acid, which is derived from coconut oil, ammoniated soap—that’s the active ingredient in Sunday Weed Warrior—and even clove oil.
Many, but not all, natural weed killers bear a small notice on the package indicating that the product is listed by the Organics Material Review Institute (OMRI). This means that the weed killer is considered acceptable for use under organic gardening guidelines. Our best overall pick, Green Gobbler 20-Percent Vinegar Weed & Grass Killer, is OMRI listed.
When it comes to synthetic chemicals used in weed killers, James notes, “If you’re looking for immediate results and have a tough weed problem, these might be your go-to.” There are many different synthetic active ingredients found in weed killers. One of the most common and controversial substances is glyphosate, which is the active ingredient in Roundup. Other synthetic weed killers you’ll see frequently on the garden shelves include diquat dibromide, 2,4-D amine, and Dithiopyr.
Whether you choose a natural or synthetic product, it’s important to use the weed killer with caution. Follow all manufacturer guidelines for safe usage closely, including eye protection and gloves.
Weed Targeting Capabilities
Most weed killers can handle a wide range of weed species, and some can kill hundreds of different types of weeds. Generally, the product’s instruction booklet will include a listing of susceptible weeds. Some products might break down targeted weeds into two groups: broadleaf weeds and grassy weeds.
- Broadleaf weeds, which include many common species such as dandelion, thistle, clover, spurge, and knotweed, have a central vein running down the center of each leaf with smaller veins branching out to the leaf edges.
- Grassy weeds have narrow leaves with parallel veins. Some common species of grassy weeds include crabgrass, annual bluegrass, barnyard grass, and sedges.
Another important consideration when choosing a weed killer is whether it’s selective or non-selective. Selective weed killers, according to James, “are like a surgeon’s scalpel, precisely targeting certain types of weeds while leaving your grass and other plants unscathed.” Typically, selective weed killers are used in lawn-safe products where you are looking to eradicate dandelions or other common turf weeds without killing your grass. Our top-scoring weed killer for lawns is Southern Ag Amine 2,4-D Weed Killer.
But if you are clearing an area completely in preparation for a new garden bed, or you need to kill weeds growing around patios, fences, or other hardscaped areas, then a non-selective product, which kills just about any greenery it touches, is the better option.
Pre-Emergent versus Post-Emergent
Most weed killers are post-emergent, killing weeds that have already sprouted. Some weed killers, though, are pre-emergent, including Preen Crabgrass Control, which means that they prevent the weed seeds from sprouting to begin with but won’t kill the weeds that are already growing.
James puts it into more colorful terms, saying that if you consider your garden as a stage and the weeds as an unruly audience, then the pre-emergent weed killers are the ”bouncers at the door, stopping troublemakers before they even get a chance to sit down.” Post-emergent weed killers, by contrast, “are the clean-up crew. They come in after the fact, tackling weeds that have already made an unwelcome appearance on your green carpet.”
Weather Resistance
Generally, pre-emergent weed killers are watered into the soil right after application, so they aren’t affected should it rain within a day or two of use. However, the same is not typically true of post-emergent products, which need to actually cover the weeds’ foliage to work their magic. These products can be ineffective if exposed to rain or sprinklers too soon after use. However, the length of time you’ll need to wait before watering your garden can vary quite a bit from product to product.
Some are rain-resistant almost right away—Roundup Ready-to-Use Weed and Grass Killer with Sure Shot are rain-resistant in a mere 10 minutes—while others require several hours before they are unaffected by rain. Because of that, always read the label carefully before application, and take heed of any warning to wait for a day with no rain in the forecast ahead or instructions to apply the product to dry (or damp) foliage or soil.
Results Rate
You can’t beat simply removing weeds by hand for the fastest results. But for those situations where that’s not possible or desirable, a weed killer can get the job done as effectively, but you’ll have to be more patient—sometimes a lot more patient. Some weed killers show results very quickly, usually in the form of the weed’s foliage beginning to wilt and turn yellow. In fact, you’ll see results in just a couple of hours with Spectracide Weed & Grass Killer Concentrate.
Other weed killers might take a day or so before you start to see signs of weed death. However, it generally takes longer than a day—sometimes a week or more—for the weed to die fully down to its roots. It’s not uncommon for especially stubborn or established weeds to require an additional application of weed killer before completely giving up. You’ll know this has happened once the weed is completely brown and dry. At this point, you can remove the remains of the weed by pulling or raking it out of the soil.
Application Ease
It shouldn’t require a lot of fuss and bother to use a weed killer. Some options include a battery-powered spray handle—like the Ortho GroundClear Weed & Grass Killer— to eliminate almost all the effort. Others require a little more preparation. Liquid concentrates such as Ortho Weed B-gon Chickweed, Clover & Oxalis Killer for Lawns must be mixed with water before use. You will then need to pour the mix into a sprayer of some type; if you spray a large area, such as a lawn or a garden bed, a tank sprayer is the best option. Some weed killers can also be sprayed with a hose attachment. If you are targeting a few small weeds, then a spray bottle might be all you need.
Post-emergent granular weed killers for lawn use usually need to be applied with a lawn spreader, which allows for even coverage. The product instructions should specify the right setting for your spreader. Some pre-emergent granular products, including Preen Garden Weed Preventer, are sprinkled right onto the ground where you want to ward off weed growth.
FAQ
When should I apply weed killer?
For the best results, you need to apply weed killer at the right times throughout the year. According to James, when using a pre-emergent weed killer, you should apply it in the early spring once soil temperatures are regularly at 55 degrees or higher, but before weeds have actively begun to sprout. He notes that a second fall application can be needed in warmer climates where annual weeds tend to sprout over the winter.
However, when using a post-emergent weed killer, he says, “These products shine brightest when weeds are actively growing, which means mid to late spring and early summer are prime times for application.”
It’s not uncommon to need more than one application of any weed killer, but always check the product package for the specifics on how long to wait between applications and the maximum number of applications safe to use annually.
How much weed killer will I need?
The amount of weed killer you’ll need largely depends on the area being treated, as well as the form of the product. For example, when treating an entire lawn for pesky weeds like dandelion or clover, you’ll need enough product—these are often granular weed killers, although there are liquid concentrates suitable for lawns as well—to achieve even and adequate coverage over the entire stretch of turf. However, if you buy a ready-to-spray weed killer intended for targeting individual weeds or for weeding a small garden bed, a stretch of fence, or the cracks between pavers, you won’t need nearly as much product.
Generally, weed killers list the square footage that the entire container can treat, so if you need a lot of product to handle a large area, first measure your lawn or other garden space, and then buy enough weed killer to cover it. Note that the product’s square foot coverage for liquid concentrates is based on the mixed amount, not on the amount of concentrate in the bottle.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Michelle Ullman is a commerce writer for The Spruce, specializing in home improvement products, landscaping/gardening supplies, and tools. For this roundup, she relied on input from our team of testers, as well as reviews and information about weed killers from various gardening websites. She also considered feedback from customers, both positive and negative, about each of our recommended products.
She has extensive experience writing about all things related to the home and carrying out various DIY projects, including landscaping, painting, flooring, wallpapering, furniture makeovers, and simple repairs around the house and yard. She’s also an avid gardener and loves to spend time caring for her garden and many potted plants, both indoors and outside.
Our experts:
- Noah James, professional landscaper and owner of Liberty Lawn Maintenance
- Daniela Galvez, senior editor and product tester at The Spruce
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