6 Best Weed Killers in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

As any homeowner knows, it seems like every year our pristine garden beds become overwhelmed with weeds that suck the life out of our shrubs and flowers. Weed killer is one of the best and handiest solutions that you can use to take care of the problem. Of course, you have to be careful about which ones you use because they could affect your landscaping as a whole.

We have put together a list of some of the most effective weed killers this year. Each of these reviews tells you a bit about the brand and what you can expect. Hopefully, with the right choice, you’ll get rid of nasty, life-sucking weeds every year with your favorite pick.

A Glance at Our Winners in 2024

The 6 Best Weed Killers

1. Spectracide Weed & Grass Killer Concentrate — Best Overall

For the most heavy-duty weed killer, Spectracide kills everything it encounters. Simply add 10 tablespoons of concentrate to a gallon of water, then apply it to weeds with a spray bottle or tank sprayer. You can use this to take out pesky weeds like dandelions, clovers, or extra grass lingering around the edges of the driveway. The best part about this weed killer is that it only kills what it touches, so you can use selective applications to keep your rose bushes or other plants intact while only killing weeds. It is our choice for the best overall weed killer that you can find in today’s market.

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2. Green Gobbler 20% Vinegar Weed & Grass Killer – Best Value

If you have kids or pets and need something non-toxic, Green Gobbler has just the spray for you. This spray has no harsh, long-lasting chemicals, instead using strong vinegar to kill weeds. As a nonspecific weed killer, you want to use it on borders like sidewalk cracks, pool boundaries, and other boundaries that tend to gather weeds. Spray application is simple with a garden sprayer, and it will degrade naturally in only a few days. However, it only kills weeds and doesn’t prevent them. Because you can purchase a whole gallon and dilute it, it is our choice for the best value.

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3. The Andersons Barricade Granular Weed Control — Premium Choice

If your garden has a weed problem, this is the best preventative product for you. All you have to do is mix the granules at a 4-inch depth with your regular soil. It gets combined with water and soil to prevent common weeds from germinating and coming back. The best part about this product is that it prevents weeds without harming your existing plants, which makes it perfect for gardens and lawns alike. However, it can be a bit expensive, which isn’t ideal for anyone on a budget.

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4. Ortho WeedClear Lawn Weed Killer

If you’re worried about dandelions taking over your lawn, Ortho WeedClear is a great product designed specifically to kill dandelions, crabgrass, and other weeds at the root. This weed killer travels along the roots of the weeds and kills them permanently, so they won’t be returning. This product is safe for virtually all residential grass types, including Bermuda, Zoysia, Fescue, and Bluegrass. An hour after application, it becomes rainproof. One big benefit is that it comes in packaging with a spray nozzle attached. However, it does have to be hooked up to a hose and could limit how far you can move with it.

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5. RoundUp All-In-One Weed Killer For Lawns

RoundUp has gotten a bad rap in recent years, but they do make great weed killers. The original formula is as strong as ever, claiming to kill over 250 types of weeds, including crabgrass and dandelions. Most notably, this formula doesn’t harm grass and can be sprayed directly on lawns and garden beds. This makes it a bit more versatile than a non-selective product that can’t be used around grass or plants. There are numerous packages available, including or excluding the application wand. The biggest downfall of this brand is that they use harsh chemicals, so don’t allow your pets or kids to play on the lawn immediately after application.

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6. Natria Weed & Grass Control

Natria is a non-selective weed killer that kills weeds right down to the roots without any toxic chemicals that could cause long-term damage. Simply spray where you want dead weeds or grass with the included nozzle dispenser, and that’s it. This spray has a notable ammonia-based smell, so avoid the area for a while if you’re sensitive to this type of odor. This is a non-selective spray, so you definitely want to avoid spraying your garden or lawn with this product.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Select the Best Weed Killers

There are numerous things to consider when hunting for a weed killer. How easy it is to apply is one such factor, but there are plenty of other things that you should consider before buying a weed killer for your lawn. Let’s check some of these factors and discover what you need to know about weed killers.

Contact vs. Systemic

Contact weed killers work upon contact with a weed, as the name implies. Systemic weed killers work a bit more slowly, but they travel the length of a weed and kill it at the root. Contact weed killers are great for clearing areas, while systemic weed killers keep the weeds from coming back.

Pre-Emergence vs. Post-Emergence

Pre-emergence means to prevent weeds from growing in the first place, and most products in that vein will be granular. Post-emergence is far more common, for when you need to kill weeds. Strategically use both to get rid of weeds and keep them away for good.

Selective vs. Non-Selective

Non-selective products kill everything they’re applied to, including grass and beneficial plants. This means they’re not as useful in gardens or lawns, where you want some greenery. Use non-selective products on boundaries like sidewalk cracks, fences, and pool borders. Non-selective products, by contrast, are safe to use in gardens and lawns because they only kill weeds.

Coverage Offered

While you might look at a container of weed killer and think that it isn’t nearly enough to kill all the weeds on your lawn, you have to remember that these are highly concentrated products that likely need to be diluted with water.

Most weed killers will clearly label how much coverage they offer. It’s better to order a bit extra to ensure the job gets done in one go, but checking the label and coverage is the only way to ensure that you have enough.

Conclusion

Weeds are the bane of any neat, healthy garden, but there are many commercial products designed specifically to kill and prevent weeds from returning. Consider what type of product you need for your situation and buy the one that best fits your needs. After looking at the reviews, our choice for the best overall weed killer is Spectracide Weed and Grass Killer Concentrate. If you really need something that ensures all weeds get killed, then go with our premium choice of The Andersons Barricade Granular Weed Control.

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Featured Image Credit: FrankHH, Shutterstock