Weeds are renowned for being tough to eradicate. In lawns, weeds compete with grass for available nutrients, so they will completely take over your lawn if treatment is not instantly implemented. Using weed killers is one of the best approaches for getting rid of weeds in the yard. However, some weed killers contain chemicals that destroy your lawn. Therefore, this article will give you some best weed killers that won’t kill grass and their features before you select one for your need.
Table of Contents
The reason to get rid of weeds
It is easily noticed weeds are in the garden, but if they are not eradicated, they can absolutely overrun and destroy your crops. Besides, for their survival, they compete for light, moisture, and nutrients with crops, which can have a negative impact on harvest yields. In addition, some weeds are difficult to kill. Field bindweed is a specific example. It develops a dense network of lateral roots under the soil even when there is no foliage showing. Furthermore, their roots may survive in the soil for up to 50 years before sprouting. Another reason is that weeds might potentially be disease and insect hosts. Additionally, they easily reproduce from any part of the root system or from wind-blown seeds and can handle the cold, the sun and the shade condition.
What eliminates weed and not grass?
Non-selective herbicides are used for large weed treatment as they eradicate any green, growing plant, whether it is a weed or not, while selective herbicides are tailored to target only certain weeds. The majority of broadleaf herbicides are a perfect choice to deal with these weeds while not harming your grass since they are systemic and selective to kill these weeds only.
What to know before you purchase weed killer that won’t kill grass
There are numerous weed killers on the market that effectively eliminate weeds, but some of them have a negative impact on your lawns. Therefore, take a few minutes to learn some factors before selecting the right product for your need.
Types of weed killer
Two main types of weed killer available for weed control are selective and non-selective.
Selective weed killers are designed to eliminate a specific type of plants or weeds, thus, they are an ideal option for those looking for one that is safe for the rest of their lawn. However, different type of selective weed killer kills weeds in different ways. Some weed killers kill weeds before they sprout, while others eliminate those that have already grown above ground.
Nonselective ones, on the other hand, kill weeds and plants they come into contact with. Therefore, it is of vital importance to pay attention to using a nonselective weed killer for weed control to avoid accidental contact.
Season
In general, it is advisable to use weed killer when the temperature is between 40 and 90 degrees, which means that in some places, it is applied in spring, summer or autumn. However, a weed killer that does not have heat restrictions is a good idea for those who need to get rid of weeds in more extreme temperatures. Besides, an effective alternative for weed killers is weed eaters that work well in smaller areas or when there is a concern about sudden temperature changes.
Preparation
Some highly concentrated weed killers require you to add water to dilute them before use as they can cause damage to grass or flowers if they are highly concentrated. In contrast, some ready-to-use weed killers allowed you to apply them directly on treated areas. Additionally, a spreader might be a helpful device if you are covering a large area.
What to look for in the best weed killer that won’t kill grass
It is simple to pick up a weed killer to deal with your problem, but some of them may give you a disappointing outcome. Thus, some qualities in a weed killer you need to consider when choosing the best weed killer that won’t kill the grass.
Formula
Weed killers that won’t kill grass are available in organic and non-organic formulas. Organic weed killers use natural ingredients such as clove oil, vinegar, salt and essential oils to eradicate weeds, which makes them safe for kids and pets.
On the other hand, non-organic selective ones consist of a variety of chemicals and phenoxy herbicides, including dicamba, clopyralid and mecoprop-P that can be dangerous if ingested. Thus, they should be kept away from animals and children. Both types of weed killers are efficient for weed eradication, however, non-organic ones are often fast-acting. Some non-organic ones effectively eliminate and prevent weeds, even before they appear above ground.
Besides, glyphosate is an active ingredient in non-selective weed killers that can completely kill grass and other plants, therefore, you should not pick up them to avoid harming your lawns.
Form
Weed killers often come in liquid and granular forms. With a liquid option, you simply apply it in treated areas. While some require you to add water to dilute them, others are equipped with a spray nozzle and are ready to use.
Granular or powder types are a little less common than liquid types, but they are also powerful weed killers. They often include chemicals or other ingredients that allow them to adhere to grass without harming it.
Size
The size of liquid weed killers ranges from around 32 ounces to several gallons, therefore, depending on your treatment areas, you select the right product. A gallon is recommended to deal with weeds in large areas while a smaller size is suitable for getting rid of weeds in small areas.
With granular or powder options, you easily find bags weighing from 5-10 pounds to 40 pounds. If you use a weed spreader to apply this type of weed killer, a larger bag may be a good idea.
How much you can expect to pay for a weed killer that won’t kill grass
Weed killers that won’t kill grass are sold on the market at different prices. However, you are expected to pay $12-$50 for a standard-size yard. Larger containers or more specialized options may cost between $50 and $80.
The best way to use weed killer that won’t kill grass
You can use weed killers in different application ways to deal with your weed problem, but the improper application can break their effectiveness. Thus, it is essential to know some considerations before you spray these chemicals in your yard.
The most common method of spraying weed killer is to dilute it with water in a spray bottle, which enhances the lifetime of your weed killer and makes the product easier on the environment.
Another important consideration is climate conditions. You should not use the chemicals during drought conditions as they can harm your lawn if it is too dry. Because the chemicals take time to work, it is advisable to apply when there is no rain expected for at least six hours.
In addition, you should not use weed killer within a few days of fertilizer and wait for a few days after mowing to apply weed killer to avoid harming your actual grass.
Top 10 best weed killer that won’t kill grass
Ortho WeedClear Weed Killer for Lawns Ready-To-Spray: Treats up to 16,000 sq. ft Won’t Harm Grass (When Used as Directed), Kills Dandelion & Clover, 32 oz.
The first one is one of the most powerful weed control methods without harming your lawn. It targets more than 250 common weeds, including dandelions, clover, poison ivy and chickweed. Once the herbicide is applied, it will enter weeds through their leaves and move throughout the plant to kill all the way down to the root. Therefore, you can see visible results in hours.
In addition, you simply connect your garden hose to the sprayer and spray it in areas where weeds grow. For maximum effectiveness, it should be used when weeds are small and actively growing in the spring or fall. However, to ensure your safety, people and pets should enter the treated area after the spray has dried.
Roundup For Lawns1 Ready to Use – All-in-One Weed Killer for Lawns, Kills Weeds – Not the Lawn, One Solution for Crabgrass, Dandelions, Clover and Nutsedge, For Use on Northern Grasses, 1.33 gal.
This weed killer is effective to control more than 250 common lawn weeds, especially hard-to-kill weeds. When applied, the fast-acting formula starts eradicating on contact and kills weeds down to the root, therefore, your lawns are weed-free for a long time. In addition, its rainproof is within 3 hours, so its effectiveness is not affected by rainfall or watering after this time. Furthermore, the new extended wand makes it easier to use. You simply apply in your non-lawn areas such as sidewalks, patios, driveways and garden beds.
Spectracide Weed And Grass Killer 1 Gallon, Use On Patios, Walkways And Driveways
The Spectracide weed and grass killer is a non-selective weed and grass killer. So it can eradicate weeds and grasses on patios, walkways and driveways, around flowers, shrubs and trees and along fences and foundations. With fast-acting formula, it kills down to the root and delivers visible results within 3 hours. You can plant new flowers, trees and shrubs in the treated area after just 1 day. Besides, it is advisable to apply this ready-to-use spray during warm, sunny weather when the temperature is over 60 degrees to maximize its effectiveness.
Because it is a non-selective killer which kills all plants when they contact it, so you can protect your plants with a piece of plastic or cardboard. If your plants are accidentally sprayed, they are needed to wash with water immediately. However, you do not use it on or around edible feed or food crops.
Spectracide Weed Stop For Lawns Plus Crabgrass Killer Concentrate 32 fl oz (RTS QuickFlip sprayer)
This is an ideal way to put an end to weeds on your lawn. It can eradicate crabgrass. Besides, it also effectively kills all types of broadleaf and grassy weeds, including dandelion, chickweed, clover and yellow nutsedge. The visible results will be presented within 8 hours after the application. Furthermore, it is rainproof for 3 hours after application, therefore, rainfall or watering after 3 hours will not wash away effectiveness. For the best result, it should be applied when daytime temperatures are between 45°F and 90°F. For application, you easily connect the hose-end spray to your garden hose, activate it at the flip of a switch and spray the herbicide until wet to control weeds.
Natria 706510A Grass & Weed Control with Root Kill Herbicide Weed Killer, Ready-to-Use, 1.3-Gallon, Concentrate
The Natria Grass and Weed Control is a natural way for unwanted grass and weeds eradication. It effectively eliminates crabgrass, poison ivy, clover and others down to the root to ensure your lawn is free of them after long priod of application. With non-staining formula, you simply use it on driveways, stepping stones and patios. In addition, it is equipped with an award-winning Ergo-Grip sprayer, so it is comfortable and easy to use. For the best result, you need to spray weeds until the foliage is wet.
Roundup Ready-To-Use Extended Control Weed & Grass Killer Plus Weed Preventer II with Pump ‘N Go 2, 1.33 gallon
The Roundup Ready-To-Use Extended Control Weed & Grass Killer Plus Weed Preventer II with Pump ‘N Go 2 Sprayer effectively eradicates existing weeds and prevents new ones from growing for up 4 months, which makes it become an ideal weed control method. You easily applied on driveways, sidewalks, patios, along fences, curbs, retaining walls, and edges of lawns, as well as on decorative rock or gravel areas. After 3 hours of spray, you easily see the weeds change their colour and die after a few days. In addition, you can refill the herbicide into the original container without measuring required. For your safety, you need to read and follow label directions when spraying.
Ortho GroundClear Year Long Vegetation Killer1 – Concentrate, Visible Results in 3 Hours, Kills Weeds and Grasses to the Root When Used as Directed, Up to 1 Year of Weed and Grass Control, 1 gal.
The products can eradicate weeds and grasses while also preventing new growth for up to 12 months. Therefore, it is one of the most effective approaches to deal with weeds for a long period. Besides, you easily mix 24 fl. oz. with 1 gallon of water in a tank sprayer and spray the mixture on areas where weeds are not desired. After 3 hours of application, you easily notice the weeds wilting and browning. For the best result, the fast-acting formula should be used to actively growing weeds.
Spectracide Weed Stop For Lawns 32 Ounces, Ready to Use, Kills Over 200 Weed Types
The product efficiently eliminates over 200 types of weeds and does not harm your lawn when used as directed. It is designed to kill weeds down to the root, so you easily see visible results such as wilting and browning after a night of application. However, you need to wait at least 30 days for the weeds completely removed. It is used to deal with major broadleaf weeds, including dandelion, chickweed and clover, and also kills poison ivy, poison oak and others.
For maximum effectiveness, it should be sprayed when daytime temperatures are between 60 and 85 degrees. In addition, its ready-to-use formula makes it ideal for spot weed control.
Spectracide 96262 Weed & Feed 20-0-0 (Ready-to-Spray) (HG-96262) (32 fl oz), 1 pack
This is a two-in-one product for controlling broadleaf weeds and feeding lawns. It efficiently eradicates dandelion, chickweed, knotweed, plantain, clover, mallow, purslane and other broadleaf weeds. Furthermore, fertilizing with 20 percent nitrogen formulation, it stimulates the growth of your lawn. Besides, the hose-end sprayer makes the application easier and more convenient. For spraying, you just connect to your hose and spray on the treated areas. For maximum efficiency, it is recommended to spray during the growing season when weeds are actively growing. Moreover, one 32-ounce bottle treats up to 7,500 square feet of lawn, which makes it become an affordable product.
Ortho GroundClear Super Weed & Grass Killer1: with Comfort Wand, Kills to the Root, Fast-Acting, 1 gal.
This product can eliminate 175 types of hard-to-kill weeds and grasses. With fast-acting formula, you easily notice the weeds and grass wilt within hours and completely die off in 1 to 2 weeks. Another advantage is that it kills weeds down to the roots, so they will not regrow for a long period of time.
Furthermore, thanks to the attached continuous spray, you easily spray the herbicide around landscape areas. Such as: patios, walkways, gravel, mulched areas, along houses and fence lines, and on driveways. For a successful outcome, it should be applied weeds are actively growing and the air is calm.
Frequently answered questions
When will my weed killer begin to work?
This depends on the type you use to kill weeds. Many contact weed killers, including some granular options, start eliminating weeds within a few hours. While some weed killers can take three to four days to kill weeds down to the roots. On the other hand, some others require numerous treatments to be effective, which might take two to three weeks.
Can weed killers go bad?
Weed killers can last for several years if properly stored in a cool, dry area. However, its efficiency will gradually decrease.
Conclusion
Due to plenty of weed killers on the market, it can be tough to select the right one for eliminating weeds without harming your grass. Thus, the above product’s information can be useful to choose the best weed killer that won’t kill the grass.