Are weeds preventing you from enjoying your yard? When it comes to combatting weeds, most people turn first to their local lawn & garden store. But walking down the isles, you’ll quickly realize there are many options for weed killers. Each claims to clean up your yard but which one is right for your grass and for the specific weeds causing you problems?
Don’t get overwhelmed with all the options for the best weed killer. A weed-free, healthy lawn is attainable for any do-it-yourselfer. This ultimate guide to the best weed killers will put you on a path toward a full yard of grass….not weeds.
Types of Weed Killers
Not all herbicides work the same. This section details the differences between the different types so you can make a better decision as to what works for you. If you just want to quickly find out which herbicides work best for the type of grass you have, keep scrolling.
Weed & Feed
Kills the weeds & feeds your grass. Here are the pluses and minuses of using weed & feed, when to use it and when weed & feed should be avoided.
Systemic vs Contact
One acts fast but doesn't last long. The other takes its time but provides longer-lasting results.
Broad Spectrum vs Selective
If you'd like to kill off everything, broad spectrum may be for you. This article examines the differences between the two.
Weed Killer: Liquid vs Granular
| Liquid Weed Killer | Granular Weed Killer | |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Application | No lawn prepwork is needed. Just mix and spray. | Grass must be wet or damp to reduce lawn damage. |
| Application | Will get better weed control by coating all of the leaves. | Only kill weeds that granules land near. |
| Absorption | Coating the entire leaf will have better chances for plants to absorb the weed killer | Granule has to stick to the plant to be most effective. |
| Wind Proof | Has potential to drift with wind and affect non target plants | Will not be impacted by wind and will stay where applied. |
| Effectiveness | Better for existing weeds in your lawn. | Better option if needing to kill weeds before they grow. |
| Spreading | Easier to spread more evenly over lawn. | Difficult to get an even distribution over entire lawn. |
| Spot Treating | Easier to use to treat small areas where weeds are concentrated. | Can not be used effectively as a spot treatment. |
Liquid Weed Killer
Liquid weed killers are mixed with water and applied to the lawn with various forms of spray equipment. Liquid herbicides are more effective at penetrating the plant structure as they are sprayed directly onto the plant and do not require the surrounding area to be wet at the time of application. Liquid weed killers can be applied using a variety of sprayers that fit the size of the area that needs to be treated. Smaller areas can be treated with a handheld pump sprayer, while larger areas may require a backpack or vehicle-mounted sprayer. Some users may find it more difficult to mix and spray liquid herbicides as spray equipment is needed.
Following the manufacturer’s instructions while mixing the concentrated liquid weed killer with water is crucial to ensure that you kill the weeds and do not damage your lawn or garden in the process. Diluting the mixture may render the herbicide useless, and concentrating it may burn or shock surrounding plants. Also, you will want to be mindful of overspray into neighboring areas while applying liquid herbicides as a mist of chemical can be carried by even the lightest of winds.
Granular Weed Killer
Granular weed killers are herbicide coated pellets that are spread throughout a lawn to kill a variety of weeds while not harming the grass. Granular herbicides are often applied with a handheld or push spreader allowing for more precise application rates and areas. It may be easier to cover large areas of land with granular products than liquid applications. Granular weed killers are often found in “weed and feed” products that are popular pre-emergent products and generally do not require any mixing or measuring prior to application. Many granular weed killers call for the lawn to be damp before application to allow for the granules to attach to the leaves of the weeds and apply the herbicide to the plant structure. Many users apply a granular weed killer in the morning while the lawn is wet with dew or after a rainstorm to eliminate having to water prior to application.
Choosing the best weed killer for your grass
Best Weed Killers for Centipede Grass
| Application | Product | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-emergent | Andersons 0.48 Barricade | Granule |
| Post-emergent | Gordons Trimec Classic Broadleaf Herbicide | Liquid |
Best Weed Killer for Zoysia Grass
| Application | Product | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-emergent | Ferti-Lome Broadleaf Weed Control | Granule |
| Post-emergent | Bonide Weed Beater Ultra | Liquid |
Best Weed Killer for Bermuda Grass
Bermuda grass is a robust and hearty grass that is heat and drought tolerant, making it one of the better choices for lawns in warmer climates. This grass variety should not be planted in cooler or colder environments. Bermuda grass grows aggressively and may require a little extra maintenance during the spring and summer growing seasons. One part of maintaining your beautiful lawn is to decide what is the best weed killer for your Bermuda Grass. The best weed killer for your Bermuda Grass is Sulfentrazone 4SC Select. Sulfentrazone comes with a built-in measuring basin, which helps you to properly mix the herbicide in your sprayer and gets you started killing weeds faster. You will see visible results within one to two days after application and complete elimination of your weeds in one to two weeks. With an application rate of .28oz per 1,000 sq. Ft, a 6 oz bottle, is more than ample for the average home.
Best Weed Killer for St. Augustine Grass
St Augustine grass is a prevalent option for lawns located in the south and along the gulf coast region as it tolerates high temperatures and thrives in sandy and well-drained soils.
One of St Augustine grass's popular uses is to fill in bare spots in lower light areas of a lawn as it grows and spreads quickly to surrounding areas. Due to its aggressive growth, many homeowners choose to utilize St Augustine grass plugs rather than traditional sod pieces. St Augustine is loved by many for its beautiful blue/green color that is enhanced with proper maintenance and care. One of the most important parts of lawn management is selecting the best weed killer for your St Augustine grass.
Southern Ag Atrazine Weed Killer for St Augustine Grass is the best weed killer to keep your lawn free and clear of pesky weeds all year long. It is a cost-efficient liquid herbicide that targets most of the major weeds while being specially designed not to harm your lawn. The 32 oz bottle will treat up to 4,000 sq. Ft of lawn, another reason that we recommend it as the best weed killer for your St Augustine grass.
