6 Best Weed Killers (2023 Guide)

Although weeds do seem unavoidable to an extent, there are a few things you can do to discourage weed growth on your property.

Best Lawn Weed Killers of 2023

Low angle ground level closeup macro view of two fluffy dandelion seeds on front or back yard lawn grass in spring with backlight of sun sunset and sky

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When searching for the perfect weed killer for your lawn, you first need to know what type of weeds you’re dealing with. The type of weeds on your property will help determine the best way to treat them and the best residential weed killer to buy. While it’s always recommended to consult a professional lawn care company for advice, the more you know about which weeds you’re dealing with, the easier it will be to handle them. Here are some of the best weed killers on the market this season.

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Types of Weeds

Before tackling those pesky weeds in your lawn or garden, you need to identify what types of weeds you’re dealing with. The following are some of the most common weeds you might see on your property.

Broadleaf Weeds

These are the easiest weeds to identify because they look nothing like the fescue or bermuda grass you might be growing. Common broadleaf weeds include dandelions , oxalis , thistle , chickweed , and poison ivy . Because these weeds have different life cycles, you must be on the lookout year-round for the different varieties. These types of weeds don’t resemble grass at all—hence the term broadleaf—so they’re easy to spot on your lawn.

Grassy Weeds

Grassy weeds can be a little trickier to spot than broadleaf weeds because they resemble blades of grass. Common grassy weeds include crabgrass , ryegrass , foxtail, and sometimes annual bluegrass .

Grass-like Weeds

Despite the similar name, grass-like weeds look less like grass than grassy weeds . Wild onion, garlic, and nutsedge are common grass-like weeds. These are easier to identify than grassy weeds because rather than flat blades, like grass, they produce tube-like singular blades that can be easily pulled out.

How to Apply Weed Killers to Your Lawn

There are many different ways you can apply weed killers to your lawn. It’s up to you which method you’d like to use and which form of weed killer you want to employ to fight weeds in your flower beds or vegetable garden .

Sprayer

Most weed killers come in concentrates. Mix about two-and-a-half ounces of weed killer concentrate with one gallon of water to make weed killer for your lawn. Once the mixture is complete, you’re ready to use your weed killer with a sprayer . Sprayers are meant to be used with a pump action sprayer or a sprayer that has a trigger. Spray low and close to the ground for maximum impact on the weeds. Many sprayers even come as tank sprayers that you can wear as a backpack or carry with a suitcase-like handle.

Spray Bottles

Spray bottles provide you with weed killer on a much smaller, handheld level. You can buy large amounts of weed killer concentrate to mix with water and put into the recommended spray bottle, or you can get the mixture ready-made. This is the perfect tool for small-scale weed control because you can apply the spray directly onto the stubborn weed rather than the beloved plants they may be growing close to.

Spreader

Weed killer spreaders resemble small wheelbarrows. You can use these to spread pre-emergent herbicides on your lawn. These are best applied in early spring before weeds such as crabgrass grow, as they will prevent weeds from sprouting. You can also use a spreader to apply post-emergent weed killers. If you already have a weed problem, make sure to get the correct type of weed killer. Spreaders work best to distribute solid (powdered or granular) weed killers.

How Lawn Weed Killers Work

Just like weeds are not the same, neither are weed killers. Depending on the variety of weeds, lawn grass, and time of year, you’ll need to use specific lawn weed killers . Different weed killers may have different application methods, which can also influence your purchasing decision.

Weather and Timing

Make sure to apply weed killer on a dry day. Some sprays become rainproof within 30 minutes of being applied, but granular weed killer needs a bit longer to ensure it’s effective. You should also not apply weed killer on freshly cut grass, as the grass just underwent trauma, and the weed killer could harm it. Don’t apply it when it’s too hot outside, either—you don’t want to cause your grass to get scorched while trying to use weed killer.

Preemergent Herbicide

To keep weeds from germinating, apply preemergent herbicides before they grow. These herbicides target seeds and rhizomes (i.e. rootstalks), so your already-sprouted lawn grass will be fine.

Post-emergent Herbicide

If the weeds have already begun growing, you must apply a post-emergent herbicide . These herbicides are applied on the weed’s foliage and travel down the root system, so you must be careful not to spread it to nearby plants during application. If you want to create DIY herbicides , vinegar is often considered an affordable and widely available option. The only caveat is there’s nothing selective about vinegar. It kills all plants. This isn’t a great option if you cannot apply an extremely direct stream to the weeds on your lawn without letting the vinegar touch the grass.

How to Prevent Weeds on Your Lawn

Although weeds do seem unavoidable to an extent, there are a few things you can do to discourage weed growth on your property.

Keep Your Lawn Well-Nourished

The weeds mentioned above love soil that lacks nutrients. If you keep your lawn fertilized regularly and ensure your grass is well-watered, you’ll create a harsh environment for weeds. You won’t have to kill weeds if they can’t sprout in your yard.

Keep Tall Grass

If you set your mower to trim your grass a little higher than you normally would, it can help block out sunlight that weeds use to grow. Most common weeds grow close to the ground and cannot survive without steady sunlight.

Don’t Water Too Often

When you water, ensure the ground gets soaked deeply, but do so sparingly so that your grass develops deep, strong roots resistant to weed infiltration.

Top 4 Lawn Weed Killers

Ortho Weed B Gon
Scotts Turf Builder Weed and Feed
Preen Garden Weed Preventer
Compare-N-Save

Ortho Weed B Gon

What We Like: Ortho Weed B Gon is a selective herbicide , which means it will attack and kill more than 200 types of weeds , but your grass will remain unscathed. You can apply this using a hose attachment or simply purchasing a handheld spray bottle, making it a convenient option for larger lawns.

What Customers Are Saying

“ This is the only thing we have found that works on wild onions. We had a lot of them, and this kills them—not quickly, but eventually. It only kills the ones that are above ground so you need to apply it whenever you see new sprouts. Connecting it to a hose and spraying large areas is easy to do. ”—Thomas via Amazon

“ Product was easy to use and had quick results! Within an hour, the weeds on my sidewalk began to brown and wilt. By the following morning, they were all shriveled up and dry. Exceptional results for the cost. ”—Tiffany via Amazon

Scotts Turf Builder Weed and Feed

What We Like: Scotts Turf Builder is both a lawn fertilizer and weed killer , and you’re meant to apply it to your lawn after weeds have already sprouted. It’s best to apply this treatment after it rains or if the morning dew remains on the grass. It is more likely to stick and be effective on wet grass.

What Customers Are Saying

“ We used to have to mow down the dandelions every 2 weeks in the summer when the grass wasn’t even growing. We used this product one time, and it took care of 99% of the weeds! ”—Jennifer via Amazon

“ Excellent product! My clover was gone within a few days, and grass emerged immediately thereafter!! ”—John via Amazon

Preen Garden Weed Preventer

What We Like: You can apply this pre-emergent herbicide anytime in the spring, summer, or fall. It is in granular form and is intended to be incorporated into the soil before you plant your desired vegetation to prevent weeds from growing in that area.

What Customers Are Saying

“ Used this in my perennial bed. I tried several weed killers before this one to no avail. So easy if you do exactly as directed. … Highly recommend! Saved me so much time. ”—Kelli via Amazon

“ I invest in this product every spring to spread in my garden bed prior to mulching. … This cuts down on weeding tremendously. It is the most effective preventative I have used. ”—Amazon user “Ms. Periwink” via Amazon

Compare-N-Save

What We Like: This weed killer gets right to the roots of the weeds and kills them from the base of the problem. It’s non-selective, but you can apply it precisely so that only invasive weeds are targeted.

What Customers Are Saying

“ Wow, did the best job! Be patient because it takes about a week to fully see results. ”—Lisa via Amazon

“ …This concentrate, used as suggested, takes about 5 days to see it really work. … Make sure it’s not going to rain within a couple days also. It kills my unwanted weeds and grass, while not bothering my plants and trees. Love this mixture, and have bought it several years running now with great success. ”—Rick via Amazon

What to Look For in a Weed Killer

Knowing what to look for in a weed killer can help you choose the best option for your property. You should make a few considerations before selecting a weed killer.

Type

Always check the product label to ensure that it’s the correct weed killer you’re looking for. If you need a crabgrass killer , there are specific weed killers. Whether it’s a weed killer for a lawn, golf course , or garden, if you don’t get the correct type for the kind of weeds you have, it will not work.

Form

Most liquid weed killers come in concentrated forms and must be mixed with water before use. Weed killers also come in solid form, typically in granules . Granular weed killer is usually a preventive measure applied once or twice a year. Sprays can be used that way or as a fast-acting solution to weeds currently growing.

Longevity

How often you must apply the weed killer can be a huge factor in determining which one to choose. Most only need to be applied once or twice each year, but if you have a breakout of weeds on walkways or driveways or in your garden, you may need to increase that frequency.

Emergence

Pre-emergent herbicides are a preemptive strike against weeds before their growing season. Which weeds grow during which parts of the year depends on your location. You will need post-emergent herbicides for the specific weeds you want to eliminate.

Our Recommendation

If you follow the instructions on your selected weed killer, you are sure to find success in eradicating these pesky invaders. With the tips above, you can select the best weed killer for you and your lawn. Don’t forget about the professionals: Lawn care specialists can help you create your dream lawn, free from unwanted weedy guests.

Lawn Weed Killer FAQ

What will kill weeds but not grass?

Several lawn weed killers will kill hundreds of types of weeds but will not harm your grass. Any weed killer with an active ingredient of glyphosate will do the trick, but it’s always great to peruse customer reviews on products you haven’t tried before. Spectracide is also a good brand. If you’re looking for a weed preventer to keep them from germinating in the first place, you can try Preen.

How often should you use lawn weed killer on your lawn to keep it weed-free?

Most weed and grass killers say to use it on your lawn only once yearly. If you must, you can give your lawn two annual treatments with weed killer, especially if you need to perform spot treatment on tough weeds.

How many weeds can you kill with one bottle of weed killer?

You can expect to cover about 3,000 square feet of lawn with a household-sized spray bottle. If you’ve got an excess of weeds in certain areas, that surface area may be less because you’ll have to spray them with more coverage. But one bottle should cover several thousand square feet of lawn.

How We Chose the Top Lawn Weed Killers

To help you select the top tools for your lawn, we’ve vetted hundreds of products.

Before recommending any products, we’ve analyzed and reviewed them based on the following factors:

Customer reviews: We read at least 100 customer reviews for every product in our lineup, considering pain points and advantages cited by customers.
Ratings: Each product we recommend has a high amount of verified customer ratings on sites such as Amazon and Google.
Brand research: We conduct research into each brand to assess its reputation in the industry.
Features: We compare products based on their key features, customization options, and other factors related to performance.

Our data points and review content are regularly updated to account for shifts in customer consensus, product availability, and overall quality.

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6 Best Weed Killers (2023 Guide)

Image of an herbicide being sprayed onto a weed in a sidewalk crevice. Cover image for This Old House's Best Weed Killer Guide and Product Review.

Affiliate Disclosure:This Old House’s Reviews Team is committed to delivering honest, objective, and independent reviews on home products and services. To support this business model, This Old House may be compensated if you purchase through links on our website.

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.

Top 6 Weed Killers

Best Weed Killer Concentrate: Sunday Weed Warrior Herbicide Concentrate
Best Non-Toxic Weed Killer: Green Gobbler Vinegar Weed and Grass Killer
Best Weed Killer for Large Areas: RM43 43% Glyphosate Plus Weed Preventer
Best Weed and Grass Killer: Spectracide Weed and Grass Killer
Best Weed Killer for Lawns: Roundup All-in-One Weed Killer for Lawns
Best Weed Killer for Flower Beds: Ortho GroundClear Weed and 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 and 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 and 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 and Grass Killer	All weeds and grasses	Yes	Ammonium nonanoate	128 ounces (1 gal)
Product	Targets	OMRI Listed	Active Ingredients	Quantity

Weed Killer Buying Guide

Not all weed killers work well for every surface or weed. Here are several factors to consider when determining which weed killer is best for your needs.

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 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 [email protected].

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