The Top 12 Best Weed Killers for a Great Looking Lawn & Garden

Homeowners desire a lush, green lawn. To get your there, you need to treat your yard with the best weed killers. You might be wondering what that treatment will do for your yard? Liquid weed killers deliver a dose of toxins that will kill weeds but keep the other vegetation in your yard safe and sound.

Our backyards are an extension of our home. A great lawn is like having an extra living space in the warmer months. Sitting back in a chair, sipping a beverage, and enjoying the song of the birds is therapeutic. But, when you’re overrun with weeds, the yard takes on a scruffy appearance that makes it hard to enjoy your little slice of heaven.

Fortunately, you don’t need to accept those weeds any longer! You can invest in the best weed control products to win at taking back your lawn.  There are a lot of products that claim to be the best weed killer on the market. We’ve done the research and narrowed the list to 12 of the most effective weed killers. Read on to learn more.

Best Weed Killers

1. Target 6 Plus

Do you golf? If so, you probably love the look of the grasses on the golf course. They are lush, green, and preened with nary a weed in sight. You might wonder how they do it—they have miles of golf course, all weed free, and you can’t even make your own little yard look good.

Now you, too, can have that pristine lawn look. Target 6 Plus 48.2% Herbicide weed killer is touted by golf courses everywhere as the best weed killer concentrate, and it’s the secret to their weed-free golf courses.

Key Features

• Active ingredient is Monosodium acid Methanearsonate MSMA 48.3%
• Post-emergent weed control
• Little product needed per use (2 oz. per gallon of water)
• Convenient two-pack of product will last you all season!
• Kills weeds plus undesirable grasses while keeping fescue safe

That green, weed-free lawn that looks like a golf course can be yours. Target 6 Plus is the secret of greens keepers throughout the world.

Pros

• Fast acting formula will start to control your weeds in just a few days
• Kills even the most stubborn vegetation such as crab grass and sand burs
• Use very little product per application, so one bottle will last several applications
• Convenient liquid weed killer formula

Cons

• Not pet-safe, let the product thoroughly dry before allowing pets onto the lawn
• Might take a second application for full weed control
• Must wait 2 weeks between uses

If you want to replicate the golf course lawn look that you have so admired, you must add Target 6 Plus to your lawn care arsenal. The results are tremendous.

2. Confront Broadleaf Control for Lawns

Would you like to turn your backyard into a staycation getaway destination? Imagine long afternoons, swaying gently in your hammock and sipping a cold tropical drink. Feel the warm summer breeze as you laze away the afternoon surrounded by a sea of green grass. The finest resorts, after all, have immaculate lawns. Your yard? Maybe not yet. But Confront Broadleaf Control can get you headed in the right direction.

Key Features

• Herbicidal treatment kills the unwanted weeds all the way to their roots
• Post-emergent weed control
• Control lasts for 8 to 12 weeks after treatment
• Kills over 35 tough species of unwanted grasses and weeds
• Concentrated solution mixes with water

See why Confront Broadleaf Control is one of the best weed killer concentrate products and is chosen by large parks, golf courses, and commercial properties to enhance the appearance of their properties. Wouldn’t you like the same for your yard?

Pros

• Post-emergent weed control allows you to identify what you want to kill
• Long control, the effects last up to 12 weeks for continued green lawn
• Easy to mix concentrate means a bottle lasts you longer

Cons

• Not safe for pets. Must keep pets and children off of grass until the solution thoroughly dries
• Can’t reapply for 2 weeks
• Takes time for the weeds to die off, as the poison slowly kills the root system

Confront Broadleaf Control is effective because it kills the weed nutrients, so the weed can’t nourish itself. While this is somewhat of a “waiting game,” it has been proven to be an effective weed control method. These results can be yours at home, creating that green space of your dreams.

3. TVC Total Vegetation Control Herbicide

If you’re not looking for a weed killer that enhances your lawn, but you need one to completely remove all vegetation, TVC Total Vegetation Control Non-selective Herbicide will help you clear the field. This is commonly used for clear large areas of vegetation when you need to prep a homesite, clear a fence line of weeds, or need to kill large patches of weeds from any large area.

Key Features

• Active ingredient is 27.8% Isopropylamine Salt of Imazapyr
• Non-selective and can obliterate large areas of brush, weeds, or other undesired plants with one treatment
• Effective treatment lasts for four to six months after spraying
• Liquid formula
• Works with any sprayer

When you have a big job and need total vegetation removal, such as on your jobsite, TVC Total Vegetation Control can handle the task.

Pros

• Removes large areas of brush by spraying
• Formula works to control weeds for up to 6 months
• Active ingredient is fast-acting

Cons

• You cannot plant anything in the treated area for several months after application
• Not pet-safe or child-safe

There are times when lawn treatments weed killers are not powerful enough. When those times arise, it’s good to know that you can put the power of TVC Total Vegetation Control to work on your behalf.

4. OceanSalt Organic Weed Killer

Families with children and pets also dream of a green lawn. However, they are often hesitant about spraying liquid weed killers around their homes. After all, they don’t want their little ones, human or furry, to roll around in or accidentally ingest chemicals. Rightfully so! Ocean Salt Organic Weed Killer can rid your yard of weeds while keeping your little ones safe.

Key Features

• Kid-friendly, pet-friendly organic weed killer
• Liquid concentrate mixes easily with water
• Post-emergent weed control
• No questions asked warranty gives you peace of mind
• Active ingredients are vinegar and ocean salts
• For controlling those stubborn weeds without exposing your children of pets to dangerous chemicals, Ocean Salt Organic Weed Killer is the right tool for the job.

Weeds themselves present health hazards for your children. They contain pollens that are known triggers for allergies and asthma. So, rid your yard with an organic weed control product for health benefits for your family.

Pros

• Organic weed controller
• Post-emergent weed control for precision
• Manufacturer satisfaction guarantee
• Safe for children and pets, even immediately after application

Cons

• Not safe for entire lawn as it kills all vegetation it comes in contact with
• Uses a lot of product as you must thoroughly saturate every weed with product

Ocean Salt Organic Weed Killer can kill even the hardiest weeds that you’ve never been able to kill before. This includes poison ivy, thorny shrubs. The company is so confident that you’ll love it that they offer you a 100% satisfaction guarantee. With that kind of guarantee, it’s certainly worth a try!

5. Southern Ag 2, 4 – D Amine Weed Killer

We all want a great looking lawn. When our yards are overtaken with weeds, that desirable look seems almost unachievable. Don’t despair! Southern Ag 2,4-D Amine Weed Killer kills broadleaf weeds but keeps your grass.

Key Features

• Kills broadleaf weeds, woody plants, and thorny bushes
• Liquid formula
• Mix in your own sprayer
• Post-emergent weed killer spray
• Grass remains healthy
• See results in a few days to two weeks

When your goal is to boost the health of your grass by removing unwanted weeds, Southern Ag 2,4-D Amine Weed Killer will help you achieve it.

Pros

• Liquid formula goes a long way—just use 2 or 3 tablespoons per 5 gallons of water
• You can kill pesky thorn bushes from a safe distance
• Weeds will wither within 2-14 days

Cons

• Must dry completely before being safe for kids or pets
• Might need re-application after two weeks for maximum weed kill

Through using Southern Ag 2,4-D Amine Weed Killer your grass will become healthier then, you will be on your way to the reality of a spectacular looking yard.

6. Spectracide Weed & Grass Killer

Spectracide has been an industry leader trusted by homeowners for decades, thanks to their proven reliability and commitment to selling only the best products. It’s no wonder that their weed prevention product is one of the most effective weed killers today. When you see the name Spectracide, you know it’s a brand that you can trust.

Key Features

• Contains post-emergent weed killers to kill weeds plus pre-emergent weed killers to prevent new weed growth
• Weeds start to wither visibly in just 3 hours
• Long-lasting and effective for as long as 5 months
• Dries in 15 minutes
• Glyphosphate-free formula

When you need results, you want a brand that you can rely on for proven results. Spectracide is a proven brand that has kept happy homeowners purchasing their products over and over again.

Pros

• Blend of weed killers and weed growth inhibitors will keep treated areas weed free for up to 5 months
• Fast acting formula starts to kill weeds in just hours
• Fast drying formula makes it rain-proof in about 15 minutes

 Cons

• Not for lawn treatment as it will kill all vegetation
• Not pet-safe until dry

You want your curb appeal to be the best on the block. Weeds kill that curb appeal. Fortunately, Spectracide can start killing weeds in just a few hours to restore that good looking yard.

7. PBI GORDON 2,4-D Amine Weed Killer

You want nothing more than to come home from a long day of work and enjoy a peaceful backyard oasis. Unfortunately, that oasis is merely a mirage for many of us. Not so fast! PB Gordon Amine can bring that picture perfect fantasy yard to life! It controls over 35 species of invasive weeds and grasses and acts quickly so you can get that dream yard.

Key Features

• Liquid concentrate mixes easily
• Weed control effective on broadleaf weeds, thorny plants, and brush
• Post-emergent vegetation control
• Dries in about 2 hours after application
• Use 3 oz of product per gallon of water, so a one-gallon bottle will last for many applications (depending on your yard size)

If you want to rid your yard of broadleaf weeds, brush, or thorny shrubs, PBI Gordon is up to the task. You’ll have effective results.

Pros

• Post-emergent weed killer allows you to select the plants precisely if you wish to do so
• Concentrated liquid mixes easily with water
• Highly effective weed control also takes care of thorny bushes, underbrush, and poison ivy

Cons

• Takes 2 hours of drying time to be pet-safe
• You must wait 2 weeks for reapplication
• Does not work with a hose end sprayer

Turn your yard into an oasis! For effective weed control that will kill the weeks but not healthy, desirable grasses, you can trust PB Gordon Amine.

8. Preen Garden Weed Preventer

Perhaps you have the lawn you want, but you want to find the best weed control for you garden. While some weed killers kill all vegetation, you want something that will kill the weeds but let your flowers, herbs, and vegetables to continue to flourish. Preen Weed Preventer is the solution to that problem.

Key Features

• Pre-emergent weed killer breaks the weed lifecycle by preventing the seeds from germinating
• Granular formula
• Safe on over 200 species of garden plants and flowers
• Effective for up to 90 days of weed control
• Easy to use, shake on where needed

Preen is a granular formula. Shake the granules around your garden plants, dissolve the granules with your garden hose, and the pre-emergent weed preventers will inhibit the growth of new weeds. However, it won’t kill your prized garden plants!

Preen allows you to control weeds in your gardens while protecting flowers and plants from the ravages of liquid chemicals. Granular weed killers are a gardener’s secret to great looking flower beds and veggie gardens.

Pros

• Prevents weeds for up to 90 days
• Easy to use, no sprayer needed
• Safe for your prized garden plants, flowers, and herbs

Cons

• You must manually weed to remove existing weeds before application
• No post-emergent chemicals to kill existing weeds

For weed prevention and to keep your garden safe from sprayed chemicals, Preen is a name brand that you can trust. It will keep your garden looking spiffy for almost 3 months!

9. Green Gobbler 20% Horticultural Vinegar Weed Killer

Do you want a more natural method of weed control? Green Gobbler 20% Horticultural Vinegar Weed Killer contains vinegar, a most effective weed killer ingredient!

Key Features

• Organic-certified weed killer
• Liquid formula requires no mixing
• Derived from American grown corn
• No glyphosate
• 100% satisfaction guaranteed
• Non-selective post-emergent weed killer

Green Gobbler vinegar is organic-certified and derived from corn. It’s safe for pets, kids, storm water runoff, and the environment in general. It’s a weed killer you can feel good about choosing.

For American quality that you can trust, choose Green Gobbler. The certified-organic weed killer is made from vinegar produced from American grown corn. No chemicals whose names you can’t even say!

Pros

• Organic-certified, vinegar-based weed killer
• Safe for children and pets
• Green Gobbler offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee
• Convenient to use, no mixing needed. Just pour into a sprayer and you’re ready to kill weeds

Cons

• Non-selective formula means this produce will also kill your grass
• Must use a lot of product to completely saturate the plants you want to kill
• Weeds may take several days to die

For kid-safe, pet-safe weed control that’s organic and supports American farmers, you can trust Green Gobbler. In fact, the company offers the reassurance of their 100% guarantee.

10. Ortho Weed B Gon Weed Killer for Lawns Concentrate

For a brand deemed as one of the most effective weed killer concentrate manufacturers, Ortho has been entrusted by property owners for many years. In fact, their Weed B Gon Weed Killer is beloved as a weed spray that will eliminate broadleaf and a multitude of weeds from the lawn without killing the grass. As a result, it’s a trusted brand for those who want to boost their curb appeal, create a lush landscape, and be weed-free.

Key Features

• Kills over 250 weeds reliably
• Post-emergent weed killer
• Kills the roots of the weed
• Start to see visible results in 3 to 4 hours with full weed kill seen in two to three weeks
• Rainproof in about one hour
• Compatible for use with any tank sprayer

Kill your weeds for more curb appeal. How? When your grass is not competing with weeds for vital nutrients, it will become greener, stronger, and more resistant to pests and drought. You’ll see a big difference.

Pros

• When used as directed, it’s safe for use on your entire lawn
• Kills over 250 species of weeds at the root
• Quick and effective results range from a few hours to 2-3 weeks
• Works great at killing dandelions

Cons

• Can’t reapply for 2 weeks
• Not pet safe until dry, which can take up to 1 hour

For a trusted and reliable name, you can count on Ortho. This is one of the best weed killer concentrate products that you’ll find.

11. Gordon’s Trimec Classic Broadleaf Herbicide

If you’re in a climate with wild temperature swings, it can be a challenge to find the most effective weed killer for your zone. Many are indicated for warmer months. However, cooler climates that don’t get a lot of snow can see weed growth from the very early spring to the last days of autumn, leaving you waging a battle it feels like you can’t win. Gordon’s Trimec Classis Broadleaf Herbicide might be the best weed killer spray for you.

Key Features

• Works in cool or warm temperatures
• Post-emergent weed control
• Liquid formula mixes with water
• Compatible with any sprayer
• Efficient, powerful weed control
• Kills broadleaf weeds
• Safe for healthy grass

You wants a lush, healthy, green lawn that’s free of unsightly weeds. Gordon’s Trimec Classic Broadleaf Herbicide can take you there!

Pros

• Works for cool season grasses
• Low in odors
• Long-lasting weed control

Cons

• Not safe on certain broadleaf grasses, such as St. Augustine
• Requires precise mixing
• Can take several days to see weeds start to wither

To get that gorgeous lawn, you need the support of the best weed killer concentrate. Gordon’s Trimec Classic Broadleaf Herbicide will give you the look you’re trying to achieve even in the longest grass growing regions.

12. Roundup Extended Control Weed and Grass Killer Plus Weed Preventer

It can be hard to find the best weed killer concentrate, so you might prefer to purchase a ready-mixed formula that you can use without mixing. It’s a convenient way to get your weeds treated fast. Roundup is one of the best-known names in household weed control because of their continually proven reliability. The Roundup Extended Control Weed and Grass Killer works to kill existing weeds and prevent new weeds from taking hold.

Key Features

• Pre-mixed post-emergent liquid weed killers will destroy weeds and pre-emergent chemicals inhibit the growth of new weeds.
• Effect lasts for four to 5 months
• Kills tough weeds and vegetation
• Money-back guarantee is you’re not fully satisfied with the product
• Trigger spray applicator is easy to use
• Convenient to use, no mixing or special sprayer is required

This pre-mixed formula offers homeowners the ultimate in convenience. Roundup offers you a full replacement of money back guarantee if you’re not 100% satisfied with the results.

Pros

• Pre-mixed formula means it’s ready to use
• Convenient trigger spray lets you target the precise area of application
• Pre-emergent and post-emergent weed killers combine into an effective weed management strategy
• Manufacturer’s 100% satisfaction guarantee
• Starts to kill weeds in 3 hours
• Rainproof in only 10 minutes

Cons

• Kills weeds, grass, and all vegetation, not for lawn improvement
• Must dry before it’s pet safe

For a trusted brand name that stands behind their products, you can depend on Roundup. After all, they do back up their brand with a satisfaction guarantee.

Key Information About The Best Weed Killers

Pre-emergent vs. post-emergent weed controllers

As you were reading about weed killers, you saw the terms pre-emergent and post-emergent several times. Let’s clarify these terms.

• Pre-emergent Weed Control stops weeds from growing. This works by poisoning the seed so that it’s unable to germinate. So, when the seeds fall to the ground and come in contact with the pre-emergent weed control, they become unviable seeds. Thus, the growth of new weeds is thwarted.
• Post-emergent Weed Control kills existing weeds in your lawn or garden. The active ingredient in the weed spray is absorbed by the plant, poisoning it down to the roots. This process can take from hours to weeks depending on the type of weed.

Both ways will control weeds. Many gardeners and homeowners feel that the best weed control is a combination approach.

Important Weed Killer Label Information

Before you use any weed killer on the market, read the label carefully.

When weed killers are safe to use on your lawn, the label will indicate this or say “selective.” It will also give you a list of plant species it will kill, so you want to ensure you don’t accidentally kill your prized garden plants.

On the other hand, labels that state “non-selective” are also referred to as vegetation killers. This means, as the name implies, that they will kill any plant they come into contact with. Use care and caution!

Finally, read carefully to learn how to apply your weed killer. Some require a certain ratio of water be mixed in a sprayer, others are pre-mixed and in a spray dispenser. Knowing the correct mixing ratio, use, and spraying pressure is necessary for success.

Bottom Line

Every homeowner has different needs. Whether you are trying to transform your lawn into a resort-esque feeling or clear a lot for new construction, you must choose the best weed killer according to those needs. The most effective weed killer, after all, is the one that does the best job for you.

Check out Ram Research’s detailed garden care products here:

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• Water sprinklers
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