The Best Weed Killers To Use When Unwanted Plants Get Out of Hand

Our top pick is the Spectracide Weed and Grass Killer Concentrate

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The Spruce / Sabrina Jiang

Weed killer herbicides are extremely handy for lawn maintenance, as they can help control crabgrass, dandelions, ragweed, and other common weeds that may pop up around your home. We researched numerous weed killers and evaluated them on many factors, chiefly how easy the product is to use, how long it keeps weeds at bay, and for its overall value for the price.

Our top choice, the Spectracide Weed and Grass Killer Concentrate, filled the bill in all cases.

Here, find the best weed killers for your yard.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall: Spectracide Weed and Grass Killer Concentrate

4

 Courtesy of Home Depot

What We Like
  • Comes with a built-in sprayer

  • Kills weeds and grasses

  • Rainproof after 15 minutes

What We Don't Like
  • Must dilute

  • Can kill unprotected grass

Whether you’re hoping to control weeds on a sidewalk, flower bed, or around trees, you can’t go wrong with the Spectracide Weed and Grass Killer Concentrate. This chemical herbicide kills weeds and grasses, and you can use it on driveways and walkways, as well as around fences, trees, flower beds, and shrubs. You can expect visible results in as soon as three hours, and the formula is “rainproof” in just 15 minutes, so you don’t have to worry about it washing away.

You can buy the product in 64-ounce plastic containers; you need to dilute it and apply with a separate tank sprayer. Or you can purchase it as a one-gallon-size ready-to-use version, with an included trigger-style sprayer. For best results, you should apply the diluted formula during warm, sunny, windless weather, and thoroughly spray the leaves of any weeds you’re hoping to kill. Since it acts indiscriminately, it is recommended for general, not targeted use.

Volume: 16 ounces, 32 ounces, 40 ounces, 64 ounces, 1 gallon | Plant Type: Grass, Clover, Broadleaf, and Other Listed Weeds

Best for Lawns: Ortho Weed B Gon Weed Killer for Lawns

4.5

 Courtesy of Home Depot

What We Like
  • Targets weeds without killing your yard

  • Comes in various sizes

  • Fast results

What We Don't Like
  • Can kill your grass if used improperly

Who else recommends it? Best Reviews also picked Ortho Weed B Gon.

What do buyers say? 86% of 1,400+ Amazon reviewers rated this product 4 stars or above.

It’s tough to kill weeds that grow in your lawn since many herbicides can damage grass. One of your best options to target pesky weeds like dandelions and clover is Ortho Weed B Gon Weed Killer, which kills more than 250 types of weeds without harming your lawn (when used as directed). You can buy the herbicide in both 32-ounce and one-gallon containers. The one-gallon concentrated formula covers up to 64,000 square feet.

The Ortho Weed B Gon Weed Killer targets dandelions, clover, and other broadleaf weeds at the root, and you’ll see results in a matter of hours. You can use it on both northern and southern lawns, and the formula is rainproof in just one hour. Just be sure to use the product as directed to avoid harming your grass.

Volume: 1 gallon | Plant Type: Dandelions, Clover, Broadleaf, Crabgrass, and Other Listed Weeds

Best for Flower Beds: Roundup Ready-To-Use Weed & Grass Killer III

Courtesy of Amazon

What We Like
  • No diluting needed

  • Fast results

  • Rainproof after 10 minutes

  • Will not harm flowers and other vegetation

What We Don't Like
  • No smaller sizes available

Keep your flower beds looking pristine with the Roundup Ready-To-Use Weed & Grass Killer III, which comes in a convenient Pump ‘N Go container—no diluting needed. This herbicide kills tough weeds and grasses down to the root, and its extendable wand allows you to easily target pesky weeds without harming your flowers.

This formula comes in 1.33-gallon containers and can be used in and around vegetable gardens, flower beds, tree rings, and mulched beds, as well as on cracks in driveways, walkways, and patios. It’s rainproof just 10 minutes after application, and once you spray it over weeds, you’ll see visible results in around three hours. The convenient no-mix formula is ideal for when you want to grab it and go, and Roundup sells refills of the herbicide that you can pour into the original container.

Volume: 1.33 gallons | Plant Type: Annual Bluegrass, Bermuda Grass, Bindweed, and Other Listed Weeds

Best Natural: Green Gobbler Organic 20% Vinegar Weed & Grass Killer

3.6

Courtesy of Amazon

What We Like
  • Doesn't contain harsh chemicals

  • Can be used in various places

  • No dilution needed

What We Don't Like
  • No smaller sizes available

Many weed killers contain harsh chemicals, but if you’re looking for a natural option for lawn maintenance, the Green Gobbler Vinegar Weed and Grass Killer is glyphosate-free and made without any synthetic ingredients. It's derived from corn, and it can take care of unwanted crabgrass, dandelions, clover weeds, white clover, mold, and more.

This natural weed killer comes in one-gallon jars, and you can use it on driveways, sidewalks, concrete, mulch, and flower beds. (Avoid spraying the solution on healthy grass, as it’s harmful to all plants.) You can use the weed killer straight out of the bottle; the natural acid starts drying out weeds on contact. You’ll see visible results in less than 24 hours, and the company offers a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee if you’re not happy with the product's performance.

Volume: 1 gallon | Plant Type: Crabgrass, Dandelions, and Other Listed Weeds

The Spruce / Katie Begley 

What Testers Say

"Once I used the weed treatment, I did not see the weeds return to my mulch beds even weeks after application. The same was true growing in the cracks on my driveway. I did pull the weeds after the Green Gobbler Vinegar Weed Killer killed the plants themselves. This was an important step to make sure that they didn’t come back."—Katie Begley, Product Tester 

Best for Gravel: RM43 43-Percent Glyphosate Weed Preventer Total Vegetation Control

Courtesy of Amazon

What We Like
  • Highly concentrated

  • Can be used in various places

  • Prevents weeds from growing back

What We Don't Like
  • Not ideal for places with vegetation

Are you tired of weeds popping up all over your gravel driveway? You can eradicate them quickly with the RM43 Total Vegetation Control, a powerful weed killer that contains 43 percent glyphosate. This concentrated formula comes in a one-gallon container that makes up to 21 gallons of spray and treats more than 17,000 square feet. This product is ideal for locations where you do not want any vegetation, such as gravel paths, driveways, parking areas, fence rows, and around buildings.

RM43 Total Vegetation Control is a combination of two herbicides and surfactants. In addition to killing any growing vegetation, it will also prevent new weeds for up to a year. The formula is rainfast in two hours, and it’s safe for people and pets after it has dried. 

Volume: 1 gallon | Plant Type: All Weeds, Grasses, Vines, Brush, and Trees

Best for Large Areas: Compare-N-Save Grass and Weed Killer Glyphosate Concentrate

Courtesy of Amazon

What We Like
  • Can be used in various places

  • Great for large areas

  • Highly concentrated

What We Don't Like
  • Can kill other plants if used improperly

When you have a large area that needs to be treated for weeds, a ready-to-use solution might not cut it. A concentrated solution can be more effective, and one of the best options is Compare-N-Save Concentrate Grass and Weed Killer. A one-gallon bottle of this concentrate can make up to 85 gallons of spray solution—enough to cover up to 25,500 square feet!

You can use this herbicide on walkways and driveways and beside buildings and fences. It kills weeds, grasses, vines, and brush. The formula contains 41 percent glyphosate. It is rainproof two hours after application—though the company recommends applying the herbicide on a warm, sunny day with no rainfall in the forecast for 24 hours. You’ll see visible results in two to four days, as it kills the weeds down to the roots. Be careful to avoid any plants you plan to keep when you’re spraying, as this powerful formula will kill just about any vegetation.

Volume: 1 gallon | Plant Type: All Grasses and Weeds

Best Professional: Roundup Pro Concentrate

Courtesy of Amazon

What We Like
  • Fast results

  • Highly concentrated

  • Great for large areas

What We Don't Like
  • Has to be used in certain sprayers

  • Must wear protective clothing

If you have a large area to treat or have tough weeds that haven’t responded to other herbicides, you might want to consider a professional-grade product like the Roundup Pro Concentrate. This weed killer is used in industrial vegetation management and agricultural farming, and it contains 50.2 percent glyphosate for fast and powerful results.

This professional herbicide comes in 2.5-gallon jugs, and its mix rate is one to 10.5 ounces per gallon of water, depending on the type of weed you’re treating. You should only use it in clean stainless steel or plastic sprayers, and you should wear protective clothing while applying the powerful solution. 

Volume: 2.5 gallons | Plant Type: Annual and Perennial Weeds

Final Verdict

The best product for eliminating weeds is Spectracide Weed and Grass Killer Concentrate, which can be used in many areas, such as in flower beds, on sidewalks, and even around shrubs, and delivers visible results in just a few hours. For a product that’s a bit more preventative, the RM43 43-Percent Glyphosate Plus Weed Preventer gets down to the roots and stops weeds from sprouting for up to an entire year.

The Spruce / Katie Begley 

What to Look for in a Weed Killer

Plant Type

Not all weed killers target the same plant species. If you need to kill weeds in your lawn, look for a selective formula that won't kill grass along with the weeds, and if you're using weed killer in your vegetable garden, make sure it's approved for use around edible plants. If you prefer to get rid of all vegetation, a non-selective formula is the best way to go.

Longevity

Do you want your weed killer to work once, or would you prefer a formula that keeps vegetation from growing back for up to a few months? Check the information carefully so you know which kind of formula you're getting, especially if you're using a non-selective formula and plan to introduce new plants into the area at a later time.

The Spruce / Katie Begley

FAQ
  • How does a weed killer work?

    Herbicides generally work to kill weeds by inhibiting root and shoot development or by affecting foliage. Usually, pre-emergent herbicides work on newly germinated weed seeds underground to stop the normal development of root systems or prevent the plant from sending up new shoots. Post-emergent herbicides, on the other hand, affect foliage (preventing photosynthesis) or are absorbed into the plant's root system, resulting in the termination of the weed.

    Some herbicides are non-selective, which means they’ll kill all plants they come into contact with. Round-Up, a glyphosate-based herbicide, is a widely available type of non-selective weed killer. On the other hand, most gardeners prefer to use a selective weed killer, which only affects the growth of target species. It’s most commonly used for broadleaf weed control.

  • Is weed killer safe to use if you have pets?

    If you have pets that frequently come into contact with your lawn or like to cut through the garden, it’s essential to be cautious about using chemical weed killers. Many of these products have long-lasting residual effects on the area they are applied to. Pet owners should use caution when applying such products to places where their pets are likely to walk or lounge since they could ingest the chemical directly or by licking their paws and fur that have come into contact with the weed killer.

    Organic weed killer may be a better option for pet owners since its compounds tend to break down more rapidly and be absorbed by the ground. However, it’s still important to read the directions for use and consider the warning label on any products you use since the potential effects can vary based on the active ingredients of each formula.

  • Are natural weed killers effective?

    Organic herbicides can be successful as weed killers. Formulas range from homemade solutions of distilled vinegar to ready-made formulas with clove oil, citric acid, and other natural, active ingredients. Whether you use a homemade weed killer or purchase an organic herbicide, the vital thing to note is that these products are non-selective. While some inorganic herbicides will only affect specific invasive species, organic herbicides will kill all plants within the application area. 

Why Trust The Spruce?

This article was researched and written by Camryn Rabideau, who grew up on a 70-acre farm and now owns a small farmstead herself. As such, she has firsthand experience fighting weeds such as bittersweet vines and crabgrass.

Article Sources
The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. Best Weed Killers. Best Reviews. https://bestreviews.com/lawn-garden/fertilizers/best-weed-killers

  2. Bullock, Fitzroy D. Lawn Weed Management. Tennessee State University, Cooperative Extension Program.

  3. Shaffer, Gared. Organic Herbicides. South Dakota State University Extension.

  4. Smith-Fiola, Deborah, and Gill, Stanton. Vinegar: An Alternative to Glyphosate? University of Maryland Extension.

  5. Lanini, W. Thomas. Organic Herbicides—Do They Work? University of California, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, UC Nursery and Floriculture Alliance.