When the lawn gets overtaken by weeds, it is often best to kill it all and start over. Many homeowners also find they don’t want any plants or vegetation growing in particular areas. These can include driveways, sidewalks, and walkways around the house.
In these cases, you want the best vegetation killer. We have picked 10 products to talk about to help you decide. You also learn how and when to apply the chemicals and how long it takes to start working.
The 10 Best Vegetation Killers For Small & Large Areas
Below, we have listed all 10 products for a quick comparison. Browse the list to get pertinent information and then read through each review to learn more about them.
1. Roundup Concentrate Max Control 365 Vegetation Killer
Roundup is a popular brand used to kill vegetation and weeds. This product is concentrated, so it kills all the weeds on your property and prevents them from returning for up to a year. It works by creating a barrier within the soil that you can’t see.
The company guarantees that this product kills weeds at the root if you use it as directed. Therefore, you are sure that it’s going to work for your needs.
It’s designed for use in gravel areas, sidewalks, patios, and driveways. While you should try to choose a sunny day for the job, it is rainproof in just 30 minutes. If you’re using it next to a sprinkler system on a timer, you can still water the grass while killing the weeds.
With this product, you can begin seeing results in just 12 hours. You only need one application, making this a cost-effective solution to your vegetation issues.
2. Ortho GroundClear Year Long Vegetation Killer
Ortho is another popular brand for weed killer, and its GroundClear vegetation killer comes with a comfort wand. You get a 1.33-gallon container with a handle, making it easy to carry with you.
The product kills weeds and prevents them from growing again for about a year. Plus, you only need a single application for it to work.
You’re going to like that it’s a fast-acting formula and starts working right away. In fact, you can start seeing results within the hour.
It’s possible to use the spray on sidewalks, driveways, and gravel areas. However, consider spraying it under decks, rocky landscapes, along curbs and fences, and parking lots. If there is an area where you don’t want grass or weeds, you can kill them all with this sprayer.
This product is best used with the comfort wand, which is included. It’s battery-operated and sprays continuously. Therefore, be sure it’s directed where you want to kill vegetation.
3. RM43 Total Vegetation Control
The RM43 brand is designed to kill weeds, and the 2.5-gallon container treats over 43,000 square feet. You can use it to create bare ground or just spot treat for vines, weeds, or brush.
It’s suitable for use in gravel paths, fence rows, and sidewalks. Also, use it around farm buildings, parking areas, and driveways.
However, the company does warn not to use it in areas with trees or shrubs you want to keep. Since it contains 43 percent glyphosate, it works extremely well. In fact, it’s a combination of a surfactant and two herbicides.
Once it has dried, which takes two hours, it’s rainproof. Plus, it isn’t dangerous to people or pets when it’s set. This is a concentrated formula, so one container makes about 5 gallons of solution.
This isn’t a fast-acting formula, so it can take up to five days before you see results. However, it does kill at the root, so you’re sure to have a weed-free space in less than a week.
The Ortho brand has two GroundClear products. The first one we mentioned lasts all year long while this one is a concentrated product. It still kills grass and weeds and prevents them from coming back for a year. However, it has a slightly different composition.
You only need a single application to kill all the weeds in the area. It’s a dual-action, fast-acting formula and can be used on pavers, patios, sidewalks, and fence lines. In fact, use it wherever you don’t want vegetation.
With this product, the results are noticeable in six hours. It can take a few days to kill everything, but it’s nice to see it working quickly.
There is no comfort wand with this version. Since it is a concentrate, you must mix it with water. The Ortho Dial N Spray works well for application.
However, it is possible to use a tank sprayer or sprinkler can, as well. If you’re using a tank sprayer, make sure you have a sprinkler setting on the device.
5. Spectracide Weed & Grass Killer Concentrate
With the Spectracide brand of grass and weed killer, you can use it on walkways and driveways. It also works around trees, fences, shrubs, flowerbeds, and many other areas.
This product is designed to kill at the root. In fact, you can see the results in just three hours. That means you can replant trees, flowers, or shrubs the next day.
You’re going to like that this vegetation killer is rain-fast in 15 minutes. Apply it, set the timer, and then water over it if needed. It also works well for when you accidentally get caught in the rain.
Of course, it is a concentrate, so you must mix it with enough water. It’s best to apply the product with a tank sprayer. Make sure you fully cover the leaves and roots of the targeted areas.
Remember, though; it kills everything. If there are ornamental plants you want to keep, consider covering them with plastic until the vegetation killer has set.
6. Fertilome 33692 Killzall Weed and Grass Killer
The Fertilome brand isn’t as well-known, but the name says it all. It is designed to kill all grasses and weeds and contains 41 percent glyphosate.
You get a 32-ounce bottle, but it’s super concentrated. For most applications, you only require about 3 tablespoons for every gallon of water. However, you can use up to 5 tablespoons for brush and tough weeds.
It is labeled as a lawn renovation product and can also treat stumps. Kill the roots of dead trees to protect the rest of your lawn.
Of course, you can also use it around fences, patios, curbs, and driveways. Bear in mind it’s not residual, so it only kills what is already there. You can’t use it to prevent new weeds from growing.
Still, your primary goal is probably to get rid of vegetation that is overtaking the lawn or a specific area. Therefore, this product works well, but it can take up to two weeks to see results.
With the Southern Ag brand, you get a 1-quart container of product, and it’s concentrated. You only need between 4 and 6 ounces of the chemical for 3 gallons of water. It’s designed to control many types of brush and trees that you don’t want around, including annual and perennial broad-leaf weeds.
The active ingredients include dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, Triclopyr, and butoxyethyl ester. You can use it in non-crop areas, in the ditch, or on the side of the road. However, you shouldn’t use it on timber or any plants that you want to keep.
To use, you’re going to spray to wet the foliage. The application rate and type can vary, depending on your needs. You can read the label to determine how to use it effectively and safely.
This product isn’t designed to kill grass, but it can work on some types. For example, bluegrass and fescue are both broad-leaf varieties, so it is going to kill them.
8. Martin’s Eraser Max Super Concentrate
When it comes to a vegetation killer, the name ‘Eraser’ says it all. Martin’s only requires a single application to kill all the weeds around the house. It works for a whole year to prevent any other weeds from growing, too.
This is because of the imazapyr and glyphosate, which are the two active ingredients. You’re going to appreciate that it is rain-fast within an hour. That means you can apply it and then water the areas around it if necessary.
The 1-gallon container includes a concentrated formula. One bottle can cover about 17,000 square feet.
It’s a specially-designed formula and can work in two different ways. You can spray it directly on trees, brush, vines, and weeds. Plus, it can be used to create bare ground or as a spot treatment.
You may want a tank sprayer to apply the product. However, it’s possible to use a sprinkler can, as well.
9. Round Up Pro Concentrate
If you’re looking for a systemic herbicide, the Round Up brand is ideal. It contains more than 50 percent glyphosate. Plus, you can use it in various situations, such as industrial and agricultural vegetation management.
Homeowners and business owners can also use it as a weed-control solution. Often, you see highway management companies and city governments utilizing the product, as well. Since it is so versatile, you can be sure it is going to get rid of your weeds and unwanted grass.
You require between 1 and 10.5 ounces of the concentrated formula for each gallon of water you use. This depends on the weed type, and all of the information is included on the container. Consider using a stainless steel or plastic sprayer for best results.
Those who want an instant result may want to choose a different vegetation killer. You may need to wait for a week or two to notice any change. However, it does work and can be a long-term solution.
10. Natural Armor Weed and Grass Killer
Many homeowners dislike using chemicals around their children and pets. If this is a big concern for you, Natural Armor can help. Its all-natural formula doesn’t contain glyphosate.
With it, you can kill over 250 different grasses and weeds. They shrivel up and look burned, making it easy to clear them away later.
While it is a concentrated formula, you don’t have to mix anything. It’s strong enough to kill almost everything without having to dilute it or make a mess. Though it doesn’t come with a spray wand, you can attach one or pour it into a tank sprayer.
Use this vegetation killer anywhere that you don’t want grass or weeds. This includes around your flower beds, trees, shrubs, and barns. You can also spray it on mulch beds, driveways, gravel, foundations, fence lines, and so many others.
It works quickly, which means you can see results in a few hours. Of course, you should wait a day or so for the complete destruction of your unwanted vegetation.
When to Apply Vegetation Killer?
Many people believe that they can use vegetation killer spray whenever you want. While this is technically true, it can work better when you apply it at the right time.
Generally, you should only spray the vegetation killer during the daytime when the temperature is at least 60 degrees (16°C) or warmer. The product works faster when sunlight and heat are present. That isn’t to say it can’t do its job if it’s colder than that, but you aren’t going to get the best results.
Most people prefer to spray in the morning during the summer. However, in spring or fall, you might have to wait until early afternoon before the temperature is high enough.
Make sure there hasn’t been a lot of rainfall before you spray. The ground should be slightly moist, but you don’t want it saturated. However, you don’t want it to rain right after you apply the product, either.
Wind speed is also an important consideration. If it’s too windy, the product could cover plants that you want to keep. If you must spray the vegetation killer on a windy day, consider covering those plants that you don’t wish to kill.
Of course, wind speed and direction don’t matter as much if you need bare ground. In this case, you may not worry, though you should still be careful around flowerbeds and trees.
How to Use Vegetation Killer?
It is best to wear protective clothing before you start the process of mixing or spraying. Consider long-sleeves, gloves, and goggles to protect the eyes from splashes.
For concentrated products:
Use a tank sprayer or a sprinkler can. Make sure they are plastic or stainless steel.
Read the directions and measure out enough of the vegetation killer. Be careful at this stage.
Add enough water, typically between 1 and 3 gallons. Put the lid on the sprayer container and shake it thoroughly to incorporate everything.
Apply the product to the areas in question. Make sure you get enough liquid on the leaves and roots for the best results.
Wait between 15 minutes and 1 hour before watering around the area. Read the instructions to make sure it is rain-fast and when this occurs.
For ready-to-use products:
Pour the liquid into a sprinkler can or tank sprayer. Some products come with a spray wand, and you can skip this step.
Spray the product where you don’t want vegetation. Make sure to cover the plants completely.
Wait up to an hour before using water in those areas. Typically, vegetation killers are rain-fast after one hour or so.
When you’re spraying, it’s a good idea to use a continuous pattern. Most tank sprayers and wands allow for this. However, if you’re spot-treating, you might need to stop the flow when you’re finished with a particular area.
If you plan to replant grass or plants, you may need to wait a day or so. It depends on the product you choose. Many of them produce results in a few hours, though you should give these a day to finish working.
Your goal is to be safe at all times. Make sure your children and pets are inside the home away from the spray. Those who are sensitive to chemicals might need to wear a mask so that they don’t breathe in the fumes.
How Long Does It Take for Vegetation Killer to Work?
The amount of time it takes for your vegetation killer to work depends on the brand. Some of them start working instantly, and you can see results in an hour or two. Other vegetation killers can take up to two weeks before you notice a change.
Read the directions and package labels to determine when to check for results. Typically, systemic herbicides take a lot longer. This is often mentioned on the item itself or in the description.
Conclusion
We wanted to make it easy for you to kill the vegetation around your home or business. After discussing when and how to apply them, it’s time to find out which ones are the best vegetation killers. Since it was hard to decide, we chose a few different brands.
The overall best product is the one from Spectracide. We like that it offers results in about three hours and is rain-fast after 15 minutes.
The concentrated formula means that it covers more square footage from a single 64-ounce container. However, you must mix it and apply it with a tank sprayer.
Next, we liked the Ortho GroundClear Year Long product because it comes with a sprayer wand. You don’t have to mix anything, and it only takes one application. Plus, the results are near-instant so that it kills weeds in about an hour.
Many homeowners want something safe and less toxic. The Natural Armor brand doesn’t use glyphosate as all the others. However, it still works effectively.
If you want something organic to use around the home, this is it. Plus, your children and pets aren’t going to get sick or harmed if you spray it, and they decide to play outside.
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