Does your beautiful green lawn have uninvited guests? Weeds can quickly turn a picture-perfect yard into a patchy mess. It’s frustrating to see those stubborn dandelions and clover popping up, stealing the spotlight from your healthy grass. You want a lush, weed-free space for relaxing and playing, but the sheer number of weedkillers on the shelf can feel overwhelming.
Choosing the wrong product might harm your grass or simply not work, wasting your time and money. Do you need something for broadleaf weeds, or maybe something that kills everything? Understanding the different types of weedkillers is key to winning the battle against lawn invaders.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will explain exactly what you need to know—from selective killers to non-selective sprays—so you can confidently pick the perfect solution for your lawn’s needs. Get ready to reclaim your yard and enjoy that vibrant green carpet you deserve.
Top Lawn Weedkiller Recommendations
- Weed killer for lawns: Kill weeds in your lawn, including dandelion, chickweed, clover, crabgrass and foxtail with the Ortho WeedClear Lawn Weed Killer Ready-to-Spray
- Fast-acting weed control: This weed control product kills listed weeds like crabgrass, dandelion, clover, chickweed and creeping charlie down to the root and gets results with 1 application
- Broadcast treatment for weeds: Won't harm lawn grasses when used as directed - use on lawn grasses including Bermudagrass, Buffalograss, Fescues, Kentucky Bluegrass, Ryegrass and Zoysiagrass
- Spray weed killer: Apply to weeds that are young and actively growing by connecting your garden hose to the sprayer, sliding the switch to "ON" and spraying evenly until the lawn is wet
- Ready to spray: This 32 oz. container of Ortho WeedClear Lawn Weed Killer Ready-to-Spray treats up to 5,000 sq. ft.
- Roundup For Lawns₁ is a ready-to-use tough weed killer for Northern grasses that kills weeds, roots and all (when used as directed), with up to 3 month weed control (as listed)
- Kills 253 types of weeds (see inside booklet for weed list), including crabgrass, dandelion, clover, yellow nutsedge, poison ivy, chickweed, oxalis, and purslane
- Roundup For Lawns₁ starts working immediately and is rainproof in 3 hours
- Use this tough weed killer on listed Northern grasses, including Kentucky Bluegrass, Perennial Ryegrass, Fescue spp. including Tall, Red, and Fine Leaf Fescues, and Zoysiagrass
- The easy reach extendable spray wand makes application a breeze with its continuous spray
- Weed killer for lawns: Kill crabgrass, dandelion, clover and other listed common weeds in your lawn with Ortho WeedClear Lawn Weed Killer Ready-To-Use
- Fast-acting weed control: This weed control product kills like crabgrass, dandelion, clover, chickweed and creeping charlie down to the root and gets results with 1 application
- Spot treatment for weeds: Won't harm lawn grasses when used as directed - use on lawn grasses including Bermudagrass, Buffalograss, Fescues, Kentucky Bluegrass, Ryegrass, and Zoysiagrass
- Spray weed killer: Apply to weeds that are young and actively growing in the spring or fall; spray to lightly cover weed leaves
- Ready to use: This 1 gal. container of Ortho WeedClear Lawn Weed Killer Ready-to-Use includes the battery-powered Comfort Wand to accurately target weeds you want to kill
- KILLS WEEDS – NOT THE LAWN: When used as directed
- VISIBLE RESULTS IN 5 HOURS: Conquer unruly weeds and see visible results in as fast as 5 hours
- KILLS 470+ WEED TYPES AS LISTED: Kills broadleaf and grassy weeds including dandelion, chickweed and clover as well as crabgrass and yellow nutsedge – see product label for complete list of weed types
- KILLS THE ROOT: Kills weeds by contact down to the root
- READY-TO-USE FORMULA: No mixing required
- Roundup Weed & Grass Killer₄ kills tough weeds and grasses to the root, including dandelion, crabgrass, poison ivy, clover (red & white), spotted spurge, and other broadleaf weeds
- It is rainproof in as fast as 30 minutes and produces visible results in hours
- Allows for planting 1 to 30 days after application (see booklet for details)
- Use in or around flower beds and perennial landscape plants, around trees and shrubs, on patios, walkways, and driveways, gravel, or mulch beds, along fences and foundations, and edging around foundations and retaining walls
- The Pump ‘N Go 2 Sprayer with an extendable wand provides up to 10 minutes of continuous spray and provides greater accuracy without bending over
- Scotts Turf Builder Weed & Feed3 weed killer plus fertilizer kills existing listed weeds and feeds to thicken your lawn and crowd out future weeds
- Weed Control and Lawn Fertilizer: controls over 50 listed lawn weeds, including clover, dandelion, plantain, morningglory, chicory, eveningprimrose, and purslane
- Weed and Feed for Lawns: Apply this combination weed control and lawn food to a wet lawn when weeds are actively growing and daytime temperatures are consistently between 60°F and 90°F; do not apply more than 2X per year
- Use on Listed Grass Types: Apply this lawn care product to Bahiagrass, Bermudagrass, Bluegrass, Centipedegrass, Fescue, Ryegrass, and Zoysiagrass (temporary discoloration may occur on some grasses)
- Coverage: One 14.29 lb. bag of Scotts Turf Builder Weed & Feed3 covers 5,000 sq. ft.; use a Scotts spreader for even, uniform coverage
- KILLS WEEDS, NOT THE LAWN: Won’t harm lawns when used as directed – kills more than 200 types of weeds as listed
- CONTROLS ALL MAJOR BROADLEAF WEEDS: Controls dandelion, chickweed and clover (see product label for complete list)
- KILLS THE ROOT: See overnight results
- RAINPROOF: Rainfall or watering 6 hours after application will not wash away effectiveness
- COVERAGE: 40 ounce bottle treats up to 20,000 square feet
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Lawn Weedkillers
Tired of pesky weeds taking over your beautiful lawn? Choosing the right weedkiller is important. This guide will help you pick the best product for a green, weed-free yard. We cover what to look for and how to use it correctly.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for lawn weedkiller, several features matter most. These determine how well the product works and how safe it is for your grass.
Selective vs. Non-Selective
- Selective Weedkillers: These are the best choice for lawns. They target and kill specific broadleaf weeds (like dandelions and clover) but leave your desirable grass unharmed.
- Non-Selective Weedkillers: These kill everything they touch, including your grass. Use these only for clearing patios, driveways, or areas where you want no growth at all.
Systemic vs. Contact Action
- Systemic: These weedkillers are absorbed through the leaves and travel down to the roots, killing the whole plant. This offers longer-lasting control.
- Contact: These only kill the parts of the plant they touch (usually the leaves). The roots might survive, meaning the weed could grow back.
Speed of Action
Some products work very fast, showing results in hours. Others take several days. Decide if you need a quick fix or if slower, deeper action is acceptable.
Important Materials: Understanding the Ingredients
The active ingredients are what actually kill the weeds. Different ingredients target different types of weeds.
Common Active Ingredients
- 2,4-D, MCPP, and Dicamba: These are very common in selective lawn products. They are effective against most common broadleaf weeds.
- Glyphosate: This is the main ingredient in many non-selective, systemic killers. It is highly effective but will harm your lawn if sprayed carelessly.
Formulation Types
Weedkillers come in liquids or dry granules. Liquid formulas mix with water and are sprayed. Granules spread easily and often include fertilizer, but they need rain or watering to start working.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality is about more than just the chemical strength. How the product is made and how it is applied affects its success.
Factors That Improve Quality
- Rainfastness: A good product dries quickly after application. This means rain won’t wash the chemical away before it can work. Look for products labeled “rainfast within one hour.”
- Surfactants: Some formulas include ingredients that help the liquid stick to and spread across the waxy surface of the weed leaf. This improves absorption.
Factors That Reduce Quality
- Temperature Sensitivity: Applying weedkiller when it is too hot or too cold can make it useless or even cause damage to your grass. Always check the temperature guidelines on the label.
- Improper Mixing: If you use too little water or too much product, you waste money. If you use too little product, the weeds might survive. Accuracy matters.
User Experience and Use Cases
Your experience depends on ease of use and timing.
Ease of Use
Many modern products come in ready-to-use spray bottles, which is great for small patches. Concentrates save money but require careful measuring. Look for clear instructions.
Best Times to Apply
Weeds are most vulnerable when they are actively growing. This is usually in the spring and early fall. Applying herbicides when the grass is dry helps the product stick better.
If you only have a few weeds, spot-treating with a handheld sprayer is efficient. For large, infested areas, using a broadcast sprayer attached to a hose attachment is faster.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Lawn Weedkillers
Q: How quickly will the weeds die after I spray?
A: Results vary by product and weed type. Contact killers can show yellowing in just a few hours. Systemic killers might take 7 to 14 days to kill the roots completely.
Q: Can I use lawn weedkiller when it is sunny?
A: Yes, but usually not when it is extremely hot (over 85°F). Heat can stress your grass, and high temperatures sometimes cause the chemical to evaporate before it sinks in.
Q: Is it safe for my dog to go on the lawn after treatment?
A: Wait until the treated area is completely dry. This is usually a few hours. Once dry, most common lawn weedkillers are safe for pets.
Q: What is the main difference between liquid and granular weedkiller?
A: Liquid sprays on immediately and starts working fast. Granules spread dry and require water (rain or watering can) to activate the chemicals and move them to the roots.
Q: Will one application kill stubborn weeds like ground ivy?
A: Tough weeds often require two or even three applications spaced several weeks apart. You must treat them again when new growth appears.
Q: Can I mow my lawn right before or after spraying?
A: Wait at least two days after application before mowing. Mowing too soon removes leaf surface area needed for the weedkiller to absorb properly.
Q: Do I need to wear special gear?
A: Always wear long pants, closed-toe shoes, and gloves. If you are using a strong concentrate, eye protection is also a good idea.
Q: How long do I have to wait before planting grass seed?
A: This depends heavily on the product. Some selective killers allow reseeding within two weeks, but check the label carefully, as some chemicals stay active in the soil for months.
Q: Why are some weedkillers more expensive than others?
A: More expensive products often contain newer, more advanced active ingredients that work better in tough conditions or offer better protection for your existing grass.
Q: What should I do with leftover mixed weedkiller?
A: Never pour leftover mixed product down the drain or into the soil elsewhere. Use it all up on the target weeds, or dispose of it according to local hazardous waste guidelines.