Hand-pulling weeds on your lawn isn’t going to cut it if they’re out of control. Sure, you can pull out a few by the root, but doing so for your entire yard may be tough and time-consuming. That’s where weed killers come in, which are often the most effective method of lawn weed control. There are many lawn weed killers on the market, making it difficult to pick the best one for your lawn. We’ve prepared a list of the best natural and granular weed killers that are safe to use for your specific lawn needs, as well as how to choose them.
Identifying Weeds
You must first identify the kind of weed you’re dealing with before you can pick the best natural and granular weed killer for your lawn. Different weeds necessitate different treatments; what works for one may cause little or no harm to another. Weeds are classified into three types: broadleaf, grassy, and grass-like.
#1. Broadleaf weeds
Since these weeds have large, flat leaves, they are unlikely to be mistaken for grass. They grow in soil lacking in vital nutrients, and because they exist in several forms—annual, biennial, and perennial—different broadleaf weed varieties necessitate different herbicides depending on their life cycle.
Dandelions, ground ivy, clover, chickweed, dollarweed, thistle, and oxalis are examples of broadleaf weeds.
#2. Grassy weeds
Grassy weeds grow one at a time and have leaves that look like grass blades. Crabgrass, quackgrass, goosegrass, and foxtail are examples of grassy plants.
#3. Grass-like weeds
This weed looks like grass, but its leaves are tube-like and triangular rather than flat. Garlic, nutsedge, and wild onions are examples of grass-like plants.
How Weed Killers Work
Weed killers work by using chemicals to either kill or prevent the growth of the weed. There are numerous herbicides available to combat weeds at various stages of their life cycle—or even before they sprout. Here are the important factors to consider when selecting a safe natural and granular weed killer for your lawn.
#1. Pre-emergent or post-emergent
Pre-emergent weed killers target weed seedlings before they germinate. If weeds have already sprouted, this type will not help. Post-emergent weed killers are intended to eliminate weeds while they are actively growing. Post-emergent weed killers are applied directly to the plants’ leaves.
#2. Selective or non-selective
This is an important factor to consider. Selective weed killers destroy weeds without damaging nearby useful plants, but non-selective herbicides damage all nearby plants, even if they are beneficial.
#3. Systemic or topical
Systemic weed killers attack the entire plant, including the roots. Topical herbicides, on the other hand, only kill the plants that are in the area where they are applied.
#4. Persistent or non-persistent
Persistent weed killers remain active after application to prevent subsequent weeds. Non-persistent weed killers do not provide continuous weed control.
Best Weed Killer for Lawn
Weeds can stymie progress in your garden and ruin the look of your lawn. Fortunately, using the best weed killer can get rid of invasive plants in your yard. Find out which natural and granular weed killer is best for your lawn’s needs.
There are various products designed to meet diverse lawn weed management conditions, whether you’re a gardener, a pet owner, or need to treat an entire yard. These items cater to requirements as distinct as your yard. Here is the best lawn weed killer:
The best lawn weed killer to use
These are the top weed killers, according to extensive research.
#1. Best overall: Compare-N-Save Concentrate Grass and Weed Killer
Compare-N-Save Concentrate Grass and Weed Killer is the best weed killer for lawn, because of its low cost of $22 for a 1-gallon container and good efficacy. Glyphosate is the main ingredient that destroys both grass and weeds. This grass and weed killer can be used on driveways, in yards and gardens, as a plot prep product, and even for stump regrowth management.
#2. Best for lawns: Southern Ag Amine 24-D Weed Killer
The best weed killer for lawn is Southern Ag Amine 24-D Weed Killer. It only affects broad-leaved plants; therefore, it will not kill your grass. You can spray this on your lawn without fear of killing the luscious green grass. This concentrated solution is quite effective. Mix 1 tablespoon of the product with 1 gallon of water to kill common weeds in a typical yard. A quart of the product costs roughly $16.
#3. Best for gardens: Preen Garden Weed Preventer
Preen Garden Weed Preventer is a granule-based preventative herbicide. Put it in the ground after you’ve tilled it to keep weeds at bay. This allows intended plants and flowers to grow without competition from invasive weeds. Rain has little effect on how this herbicide works, and each application can last up to three months. The product can cover up to 5,000 square feet in a 31.3-pound bag. This product does not kill existing plants; instead, it stops new weeds from growing. This product is not absorbed by plants or edible vegetation.
#4. Best all-natural weed killer: Natural Armor Weed & Grass Killer
Natural Armor Weed & Grass Killer is the product for you if you want to know what kills weeds permanently without the use of synthetic chemicals. This spray kills 250 different types of weeds without using any poisons or synthetic chemicals. Because there are no toxic ingredients, it is safe for use around children and pets.
#5. Best for pets: Green Gobbler Vinegar Weed & Grass Killer
Green Gobbler Vinegar Weed & Grass Killer removes weeds using only natural substances like vinegar, so pet owners don’t have to worry about their four-legged friends’ health. Weeds can be withered in just 24 hours after application if no toxic chemicals are used.
#6. Best preventative weed killer: Roundup Concentrate Extended Control
Roundup Concentrate Extended Control can limit new weed growth for up to four months when used to prevent growth. This is also a dual-action formula that kills weeds simultaneously. Each 1.33-gallon container can cover around 400 square feet, although it may be able to cover more if the weed infestation is not severe.
Natural Weed Killer for Lawn
If you want a well-kept garden and a flawless lawn but don’t want to use herbicides, we have some natural weed killer for you. A natural weed killer is usually a non-selective solution, killing whatever plants it comes into contact with, including lawn grasses. When used regularly, they can also alter the composition of the soil.
#1. Vinegar Solution
A vinegar solution is a popular natural weed killer for lawn. All you need are the following:
- White vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or cleaning vinegar, distilled. To be most effective, the vinegar’s acetic acid concentration should be greater than 11% in order to burn and kill the plant.
- Dishwashing liquid. This acts as a surfactant, allowing the vinegar to adhere to the weed’s surface for a longer period of time.
Shake the items in a spray bottle to mix. When the weather forecast predicts a few days of constant sunshine, use this strategy. Rain washes the vinegar off the weeds too quickly, and the most harm occurs when the sun strikes the weeds’ leaves. Spray the solution directly into the weeds, taking care not to get it on nearby plants.
#2. Rubbing Alcohol Solution
This astringent substance kills weeds by removing moisture from their leaves. Dilute one quart of rubbing alcohol with one liter of water. To make it easier to use, mix the solution in a spray bottle. As with vinegar, use it on a sunny day and spray it right on the weeds, being careful not to get it on other plants.
#3. Boiling Water
This natural weed killer is the easiest to prepare and use. You won’t have to do any mixing, and you can use it whenever you want: day or night, with or without sunlight, even in the rain.
Simply boil water and pour it onto the weed’s leaves. Use enough to seep down into the roots. To target the unwanted weed, a kettle with a spout can be useful.
#4. Propane Torch
The same effect can be achieved by scorching the middle of the weed with a propane torch, similar to how boiling water kills weeds—roots and all. There are several long-handled torches designed expressly for this purpose. Because of the long handle, you can kill weeds without stooping. Naturally, when using this tool on windy days, in dry conditions, or in brushy locations, you should exercise utmost caution.
#5. Corn Gluten Meal
Corn gluten meal is classified differently. It is a weed suppressor rather than a weed killer, making weeds impossible to grow in the first place. The most main uses of corn gluten is to manage crabgrass in lawns. It inhibits the formation of the first roots that crabgrass seeds produce after germinating. However, appropriate application requires two steps:
- Application must be coordinated with crabgrass germination.
- Application must take place during a dry period.
Corn gluten is an organic powder that is left over after milling corn. Simply distribute the powder over the soil to apply. After applying the corn gluten, moisten it into the soil (approximately 1/4 inch of water is required). However, after you water it in, the weather must be dry for a few days. Otherwise, the roots will not be removed.
Granular Weed Killer for Lawn
Granular weed killer is usually applied with a spreader, making it easier to cover a big area, such as an entire lawn. Granules can also be mixed with dry fertilizer to create a combination that kills weeds while nourishing the soil. Granular forms are ideal for weed killer in lawn due to their capacity to disseminate herbicide and fertilizer across large areas.
#1. Barricade Granular Pre-emergent Herbicide
Barricade Herbicide is a granular pre-emergent herbicide that suppresses the growth of a broad spectrum of grassy and broadleaf weeds on a different of grass types and gardens.
#2. Pramitol 5PS Industrial Weed Killer
Pramitol 5PS Industrial Weed Killer is a pelleted, non-selective herbicide that quickly kills weeds on the bare ground. This product, when applied to soil, will prevent all plant growth for a year or more.
#3. Solutions 15-5-10 Weed & Feed Fertilizer with Trimec
Solution 15-5-10 Weed & Feed is a granulated fertilizer and weed killer combo. It encourages healthy turfgrass growth while also combating weed growth. It is simple to apply with the aid of a granular spreader.
#4. Pendulum 2G
Pendulum 2G is a high-quality pre-emergent herbicide that is effective against many different common weeds. It is also unique in that studies has shown that it is one of the safest products for grasses and ornamental plants.
Safe Weed Killer for Lawn
Are you ready to make the switch to an organic weed killer that is safe for your lawn, family, and pets? We’ve got your back. We chose the products based on user reviews, overall ease of use, and the types of outdoor surfaces that each product is best suited for. We also paid great attention to formulae that are suitable for pets.
#1. BioSafe Weed Control
BioSafe Weed Control, an organic-certified herbicide, quickly kills annual and perennial broadleaf weeds and grasses. We recommend this product for gardeners because it leaves no residue and you can plant less than a week after use.
#2. Espoma Weed Preventer Plus Lawn Food
Espoma Organic Weed Preventer feeds your lawn while killing weeds. It is safe for both children and pets because it is made entirely of corn gluten meal. We like how this product keeps weeds at bay while keeping lawns healthy and green.
#3. Natural Armor Weed and Grass Killer
Natural Armor Weed and Grass Killer is an all-natural, concentrated formula that kills over 250 different kinds of weeds and grasses. It is safe to use on practically all exterior surfaces that have weeds, such as flower beds, bushes, trees, roadways, and patios.
#4. Doctor Kirchner Natural Weed Killer
What distinguishes the Doctor Kirchner Natural Weed Killer solution? It’s made from seawater, vinegar, and soap. Reviewers enjoy how it causes weeds to wither and turn brown in a matter of hours without the use of dangerous chemicals.
#5. Green Gobbler Vinegar Weed and Grass Killer
Green Gobbler Vinegar Weed Killer, according to the manufacturer, can kill any common weed in less than 24 hours. It includes 20% acetic acid and is manufactured from ethanol distilled from maize grain, making it four times more powerful than ordinary table vinegar.
What is the most effective weed killer for lawns?
Compare-N-Save Concentrate Grass & Weed Killer is the most effective lawn weed killer on the market. It can kill broadleaf weeds while leaving grass alone.
When should I put weed killer on my lawn?
Fall (mid-September to early November) is the best time to use broadleaf herbicides to control perennial broadleaf weeds in the lawn. Perennial broadleaf weeds are moving food (carbohydrates) from their foliage to their roots in preparation for winter.
What should I use to kill weeds on my lawn?
The best homemade cleaner is a mix of white vinegar, salt, and liquid dish soap. Each of these chemicals has unique qualities that work together to kill weeds. Both the salt and the vinegar contain acetic acid, which causes the plants to dry out and die.
What kills weeds permanently, but not grass?
Make Use of A Selective Herbicide (2-4D Active Ingredient)
It is selective, which means it will not kill all plants to which it is administered. The more prevalent selective herbicide is 2,4-D. When used correctly, it poses few dangers and is incredibly effective at eradicating weeds without damaging your grass.
What kills weeds permanently naturally?
A mixture of white vinegar, salt, and liquid dish soap is the most effective homemade option. Each of these chemicals has unique qualities that work together to kill weeds.
What kills grass and weeds the fastest?
Applying a nonselective herbicide, such as glyphosate, over the entire area is the best way to kill the existing lawn and weeds. Glyphosate is a translocated herbicide that kills turf as well as grassy and broadleaf weeds when they emerge.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get rid of weeds and thickens in my lawn?
- Enhance your soil.
- Overseed.
- Fertilize.
- Improve your lawn.
- Irrigate.
- Mow correctly.
- Weed control.
What chemical makes grass green?
The short answer is chlorophyll, a green pigment. The longer answer involves wavelengths, cellular components known as organelles, and photosynthesis, which plants employ to produce food from sunlight.
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