The 15 Best Weed Killers for Your Lawn in 2024 [Reviews]

Eliminating weeds can be quite challenging. When picking the most effective weed killer for your lawn, it’s crucial to select a herbicide specifically designed for the weed you want to get rid of.

Below, I’ve assessed and compared the best products I have used over the years to assist you in finding the best weed killer for your lawn and specific needs.

Affiliate Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate and participant in various other affiliate programs, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you from qualifying purchases.


Top 3 Best Weed Killers for Lawn: Comparison + Rating

In a hurry? Here are the best weed killers I’ve compared by category:

BEST FOR COOL SEASON GRASSES
Tenacity Turf Herbicide - 8 ounces (Packaging may vary)
BEST FOR BERMUDA, ZOYSIA
BASF Drive XLR8 Crabgrass Herbicide (1/2 Gallon, 64 OZ.)
BEST FOR ST. AUGUSTINE & CENTIPEDE
Celcius WG Herbicide
Syngenta Tenacity Turf Herbicide
Drive XLR8 Herbicide
Celsius
  • Pre and post-emergent crabgrass killer.
  • Kills a lot of other tough grass weeds too
  • Destroys weeds to the root.
Be sure to also use a Surfactant and Blue Dye in the mix for best results.
  • Most effective selective crabgrass killer.
  • Rainproof within 24 hour
  • See results in 7 days.
Be sure to also use a Surfactant and Blue Dye in the mix for best results.
  • Kills crabgrass to the root
  • Kills dozens of other weeds as well.
  • Does not affect lawn grass.
Be sure to also use a Surfactant and Blue Dye in the mix for best results.
BEST FOR COOL SEASON GRASSES
Tenacity Turf Herbicide - 8 ounces (Packaging may vary)
Syngenta Tenacity Turf Herbicide
  • Pre and post-emergent crabgrass killer.
  • Kills a lot of other tough grass weeds too
  • Destroys weeds to the root.
Be sure to also use a Surfactant and Blue Dye in the mix for best results.
Check it Out
BEST FOR BERMUDA, ZOYSIA
BASF Drive XLR8 Crabgrass Herbicide (1/2 Gallon, 64 OZ.)
Drive XLR8 Herbicide
  • Most effective selective crabgrass killer.
  • Rainproof within 24 hour
  • See results in 7 days.
Be sure to also use a Surfactant and Blue Dye in the mix for best results.
Check it Out
BEST FOR ST. AUGUSTINE & CENTIPEDE
Celcius WG Herbicide
Celsius
  • Kills crabgrass to the root
  • Kills dozens of other weeds as well.
  • Does not affect lawn grass.
Be sure to also use a Surfactant and Blue Dye in the mix for best results.
Check it Out

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In the table, I’ve shown the most important features you’ll get with each of the top weed killers on the market today. Keep reading to learn what to look for when selecting one for your lawn.

Best 15 Weed Killers for Lawns (Reviews)

These products are great for their specific functions and that’s why I’ve listed them with their most effective use. Using them will get rid of different types of weeds in your lawn and flower beds.

Some are great for large areas, broad-leaf selective weed removal, and grassy weeds while others are great for people with kids and pets. Not sure what type of weed you have, please refer to our weed identification directory.

Here are the top 15 lawn weed killers with reviews and ratings:


1. Syngenta Tenacity Turf Herbicide

BEST OVERALL FOR: Buffalograss, Centipedegrass, Fine & Tall Fescue, Kentucky Bluegrass, Perennial Ryegrass

  • The most effective grass weed killer
  • Can be used as a pre-emergent and post-emergent
  • Tenacity won’t kill grass (kills only weeds). (For Bermuda, only apply to dormant grass)
  • Stunts weeds, letting your lawn grow thick and choke out weeds
  • Controls crabgrass as well as broad-leaf weeds in the lawn.
  • Strong formulation controls 46 broadleaf weed and grass species
  • Has a long-lasting weed control power
  • Can be applied at seeding

Tenacity is one of the best systemic herbicides on the market today. Its formulation contains 40% mesotrione, which is in the grade of commercial weed killers and is capable of controlling broadleaf and grassy weeds in the lawn before and after emerging.

Tenacity Turf Herbicide will kill grassy weeds and won’t kill lawn grass. (For Bermuda, only apply to dormant grass. Also, read my best weed killers for Bermuda grass article).

List of weeds Tenacity kills
Barnyardgrass, goosegrass, carpetweed, dandelion, chickweed, clover, crabgrass (large & smooth), foxtail, henbit, purslane, thistle, yellow nutsedge, wild carrot, nimble grass, bentgrass, and many more.

Best weed killer for lawns - Syngenta's Tenacity Weed Killer Samples

According to the manufacturer, Tenacity weed killer spray also controls grassy weeds at seeding, giving your lawn a competitive advantage over the weeds. As your grass establishes a thick cover, it prevents any new weeds from sprouting and growing in your lawn.

Tenacity is also recommended for application before seeding. It does not have time limitations, meaning you can apply it in spring, fall, or even when you want to control weeds during the summer.

Overall, if you’re looking for a permanent weed killer for your lawn, Syngenta’s Tenacity is a great product to try. I tried it on crabgrass and dallisgrass and was impressed with the results. However, I was not able to test how it works as a pre-emergent. Research however indicates that tenacity can be used for both pre-emergent and post-emergent weed control.


2. Southern Ag Amine 2, 4-D Weed Killer

BEST SELECTIVE AND FOR LARGE AREAS

Southern Ag Amine 2, 4-D Weed Killer

For me and most homeowners, a selective herbicide is the best. If it targets weeds and won’t kill grass, it is a great option for many homeowners. That’s exactly what Southern AG Amine 24-D formulation does.

  • It is safe to apply on lawns and golf courses.
  • The economical rate of 2- 3 tablespoons in 3 – 5 gallons of water to cover 1,000 sq. ft.
  • Kills over 200 broadleaf weeds
  • Acts fast – kills weeds within 2 days to 2 weeks
  • Not as pricey as most herbicides

List of weeds controlled:
Carpetweed, catnip, chicory, cocklebur, coffee weed, cornflower, croton, dandelion, wild garlic, wild hemp mustards, nettles, wild onion pepper weed pigweed, plantains, wild radish, redstem, smartweed, thistle bull, thistle musk, thistle Russian, velvetleaf, vervains, water plantain, witchweed, wormwood, yellow rocket and many more.

This herbicide is suitable for controlling broadleaf weeds in your lawn without harming the plants you want to keep. This makes it ideal for use in lawns with extensive weed invasion.

You can, however, use it to spot-treat weeds if you have instances of weeds such as plantain spread out sparsely in your lawn.

The Southern Ag Amine 2, 4-D liquid concentrate weed killer can be used in many areas including pasture, rangelands, industrial sites, golf courses, and lawns.

When I applied it to the poison ivy behind my garage, I noticed that it did not kill it right away, but on the second application, it was effective at controlling the weeds without harming or injuring the St. Augustine grass that was thriving in that location.

Pro tip:
On hardy weeds that can prove hard to kill, apply twice or even three times. This is especially true for weeds such as oxalis and dandelions.

I would not recommend using this herbicide as a pre-emergent because it works best as a post-emergent application – getting absorbed through the foliage and killing weeds in the process.

In addition, you’d probably do better with a stronger weed killer if you have crabgrass in your lawn that you’re looking to get rid of.

Southern Ag Amine 2,4-D WEED KILLER, 32oz - Quart
6,527 Reviews
Southern Ag Amine 2,4-D WEED KILLER, 32oz - Quart
  • Low, economical use rate of 1 to 4 pints per acre
  • Controls many broadleaf weeds & woody plants
  • Use in turf, pastures, rangeland, ditch banks, fences…

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3. Scotts Turf Builder Weed and Feed Fertilizer

BEST WEED AND FEED GRANULAR

Scotts Turf Builder Weed and Feed Fertilizer

Quite a unique formulation on this list, the Scotts Weed and Feed formulation acts as a fertilizer as well as a weed control product. Here’s what I like about this herbicide:

  • Helps prevent weeds in the lawn by crowding them out
  • Kills dandelions and clovers effectively (guaranteed)
  • Helps grow a thick, lawn
  • Large coverage area
  • Controls over 50 species of weed

List of weeds it kills:
Dollarweed, clover, dandelions, chickweed, pigweed, ground ivy, hawkweed, knotweed, mustard, plantain, pepperweed, sow thistle, spurweed, yarrow, wild carrot, yellow rocket plantain, pusley, red sorrel, etc.

This is one of the best granular lawn weed killers that can be used on different turfgrasses including fescue, ryegrass, Kentucky bluegrass, centipede, bahiagrass, Bermuda grass, and zoysia.

As soon as I applied to a small test area on my lawn, I noticed results starting to show within about 8 days.

Cons

  • If you apply too much (accidentally or not) it will make your lawn brown
  • It does not kill crabgrass
  • The application process is a bit tedious – since you have to water your lawn before applying it.
  • It is not pet-friendly. You might want to keep your pets and kids off the lawn after application until the dust settles (as the manufacturer recommends)
  • The main ingredient may show up in your groundwater
Deal
Scotts Turf Builder Weed & Feed3, Weed Killer Plus Lawn...
29,922 Reviews
Scotts Turf Builder Weed & Feed3, Weed Killer Plus Lawn...
  • Scotts Turf Builder Weed & Feed3 weed killer plus fertilizer kills existing listed weeds and feeds to thicken your lawn and crowd out future weeds
  • Controls over 50 listed lawn weeds, including clover, dandelion, plantain, morningglory, chicory, eveningprimrose, and purslane
  • 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

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4. Green Gobbler Vinegar Weed & Grass Killer (Homemade, Natural Organic, Pet Safe)

BEST ORGANIC- PET-SAFE WEED KILLER

Green Gobbler Vinegar Weed & Grass Killer

Vinegar is one of the best homemade natural weed killers I’ve used. From my reviews and tests, this is a very effective spot treatment for lawns. Be careful not to apply it on the turfgrass you’re growing.

  • Extremely effective on any weed
  • The 20% acetic acid concentrate destroys weeds FAST
  • Kills crabgrass, quackgrass, clovers, dandelions
  • It is safe for pets and kids
  • 100% organic – eliminates weeds without chemicals
  • It is glyphosate-free
  • Suitable for broadleaf and grassy weeds
  • It will also kill moss on your lawn

List of weeds vinegar kills:
Crabgrass, oxalis, clover, chickweed, pigweed, dandelions, quackgrass, and many, many more weeds.

For spot-treating weeds, this 20% natural vinegar weed killer is one of the most effective organic solutions available. It acts as a post-emergent, so do not expect it to act as a weed preventer.

What I like more about it is that it will get rid of both grassy weeds as well as broad-leaf plants.

Be careful when using this organic weed solution because it can easily destroy any plant it comes into contact with.

If your home has pets and kids that play in the yard, using this vinegar recipe to kill weeds is one of the best ways to guarantee their safety.

Disadvantages of Using Vinegar to Kill Weeds

  • Yes, it looks like a great weed killer for lawns, but it is not practical for lawns that are plagued with weeds
  • It might not be very effective for controlling perennial weeds since they appear as though they’re dying only to re-appear from the roots
  • At such high concentrations above 11%, vinegar is extremely dangerous and can cause serious skin burns, blindness, and irritation
  • Household vinegar, usually at much lower concentrations, cannot kill weeds effectively
  • Vinegar is not suitable for controlling weeds in large areas. You cannot also use it as a commercial weed killer

Overall, I don’t recommend using horticultural vinegar in your lawn and garden, for the simple reason that it is highly corrosive, and burns everything it touches. 

Green Gobbler 20% Vinegar Weed & Grass Killer | Natural & Organic...
13,092 Reviews
Green Gobbler 20% Vinegar Weed & Grass Killer | Natural & Organic...
  • CERTIFIED FOR ORGANIC USE — Completely eliminates and desiccates weeds and grasses without using toxic chemicals. Made straight from corn grown in the USA. OMRI listed weed killer and certified for organic use.
  • KILLS WEEDS FAST — Eliminate any type of weed in just a matter of hours. Expect full desiccation in less than 24 hours. Green Gobbler contains 20% acetic acid. Use on crabgrass, dandelions, clover weeds, white clover, moss, etc. Works best for weeds exposed to direct sunlight.
  • POWERFUL FORMULA — NO cancer-causing chemicals. Glyphosate-free. 20% formula is four times stronger than traditional table vinegar. Made strictly from ethanol distilled from corn grain.

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5. Spectracide Weed Grass Killer

WON’T KILL GRASS

Spectracide Weed Grass Killer

Fast-acting weed and grass killers are my favorite herbicides. Spectracide scored high on our rating scale when it got rid of some weeds within 24 hours.

  • Shortest rainproof period of 15 minutes
  • Fast-acting formula with results as fast as 3 hours
  • Kills shrubs, weeds, and grasses effectively.
  • Can be used over a large area
  • Can be used to remove old lawn for re-seeding (ground clear weed killer)

While it is not an industrial-grade weed killer for lawns, you can use it on your lawn without killing grass. It is pretty effective at getting rid of most broadleaf weeds as well as a decent number of unwanted grass species.

We tested this concentrate on clovers and plantains that were growing along driveways and walkways, and it did a great job of removing the weeds within a period of 24 hours.

The Cons

  • First thing, you might want to use your own sprayer. The one it comes with is a little weak, and the nozzles don’t spray so well.
  • The second downside I noticed with the Spectracide weed killer is that it struggled a bit at killing poison ivy even though it killed most other broadleaf vegetation in the yard.
  • The third issue is that it may damage your flower beds if you apply non-selectively. It can also kill your lawn grass very easily, so use it carefully to spot-treat.

If you have thick grass within the cracks in sidewalks and rocks, you might need a few applications of this herbicide to eliminate the weeds.

Spectracide Weed & Grass Killer Concentrate, Use On Driveways,...
4,289 Reviews
Spectracide Weed & Grass Killer Concentrate, Use On Driveways,...
  • KILLS WEEDS AND GRASSES: use on driveways and walkways, and around fences, trees, flower beds, shrubs and other areas in your yard
  • KILLS THE ROOT: visible results as fast as 3 hours – replant new flowers, trees and shrubs the same weekend
  • RAINFAST: rainfall or watering 15 minutes after application will not wash away effectiveness

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6. Scotts Halts Crabgrass & Grassy Weed Preventer

Scotts Halts Crabgrass & Grassy Weed Preventer

Most of the best weed killers on this list are post-emergents, but this one is a great pre-emergent.

  • Prevents crabgrass all-season-long.
  • Can be applied in spring, fall, and winter.
  • Prevents winter weeds such as poa annua and chickweed.
  • Prevents moss in lawns
  • Can be applied during rain

List of weeds it prevents:
Crabgrass, Goosegrass, Barnyard grass, Spurge, Foxtail, Poa annua, Henbit, Chickweed.

Being a crabgrass preventer, ensure that you apply this herbicide at the onset of spring. This is the time when crabgrass usually starts to germinate. Poor timing might lead to ineffectiveness in preventing grass weeds in your lawn.

Crabgrass germinates at 55°F, so wait for the soil to warm up before applying pre-emergence crabgrass control.

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Scotts Halts Crabgrass & Grassy Weed Preventer: Treats up to...
7,321 Reviews
Scotts Halts Crabgrass & Grassy Weed Preventer: Treats up to...
  • Scotts Halts Crabgrass & Grassy Weed Preventer prevents the germination of listed lawn weeds so you can enjoy your lawn
  • Prevents the germination of crabgrass, foxtail, spurge, barnyardgrass, and more as listed in the early spring all season long, and moss (except in California), Poa annua, henbit, corn speedwell, and chickweed in the fall
  • Apply this pre-emergent weed killer in the early spring to a dry lawn or in the fall; rain, snow, or freezing weather after application will not affect the performance of this product

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7. Compare-N-Save Weed Killer for Lawns (Non-Selective)

Compare-N-Save Weed Killer for Lawns

This herbicide is one of the strongest weed killers you can find on the market. Here’s why:

  • Best non-selective lawn weed killer
  • Kills broadleaf and grassy weeds
  • It starts killing weeds immediately
  • Eliminates over 200 different weeds in the lawn
  • Becomes rainproof within 2 hours after application

This herbicide is highly effective in getting rid of broadleaf and grassy weeds you find in lawns. Here’s a quick note on how to distinguish between broadleaf and grassy weeds.

It starts working immediately, and the 8.6% Dimethylamine Salt of 2,4-D Acid concentrate you get for the low price can kill weeds in a very large area of up to 16,000 sq. ft.

List of weeds it kills:
It kills over 200 weeds including clover, chickweed, thistle, plantain, nettles, oxalis, dandelion, nutgrass, primrose, horsetail, radish, marigold, ground ivy, poison oak, pigweed, etc.

You can overseed the lawn when you finish killing weeds to cover the bare spot-treated areas.

The one thing I did not like about this top non-selective weed killer for lawns is that you cannot use it for controlling weeds in flower or vegetable beds. It can easily kill some of the great plants you have including ornamental grasses.

Important to note: Do not apply this herbicide on newly seeded turfgrasses. Also, after eliminating weeds, wait 3-4 weeks to reseed, otherwise, germination will be poor.

Compare-N-Save 75324 Herbicide, 1-gallon, white
18,495 Reviews
Compare-N-Save 75324 Herbicide, 1-gallon, white
  • Rainproof in 2 hours
  • Visible results in as little as 2 to 4 days
  • Contains 41-percent glyphosate

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8. Roundup Max Control 365

Roundup Max Control 365

Roundup has made a name for itself as the most effective weed destroyer. This formulation features Fast-Acting technology, makin it one of the fastest weed killers you can buy.

  • Kills over 250 weeds and won’t harm lawn grass
  • Fastest action – visible results within 12 hours.
  • Great coverage with 16oz covering up to 5000 sq. ft.
  • Kills weeds down to the root
  • Eliminates tough-to-kill weeds including crabgrass
  • Rainproof within 3 hours.
  • Comes in a ready-to-use spray package.

Roundup is definitely one of the go-to weed killers. Most Round-up products can kill almost any plant it comes in contact with, making it one of the best weed control herbicides.

However, with this particular product, the formulation is meant for safe use on the lawn and can be sprayed to target weeds only. Keep in mind over-application on your lawn can easily kill your lawn grass.

When you want to use a very high concentration, it is best to use the spot-spray technique using a weed sprayer on the weeds instead of spraying the entire turfgrass.

Weeds Roundup for lawns will kill:
Crabgrass, dandelions, clover, yellow nutsedge and many more.

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Roundup Concentrate Max Control 365 Vegetation Killer, 32 oz.
8,458 Reviews
Roundup Concentrate Max Control 365 Vegetation Killer, 32 oz.
  • Kills and prevents weeds for up to 12 months by creating an invisible barrier in the soil
  • Kills weeds to the root. Guaranteed! (Consumer Guarantee: If for any reason you are not satisfied after using this product, simply send us original proof of purchase and we will refund the purchase price.)
  • Use on driveways, patios, sidewalks and gravel areas

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9. Ortho Weed B Gon

Ortho Weed B Gon

Ortho Weed B Gon does exactly what it’s supposed to, that is kills a variety of weeds and best of all without harming your turfgrass when used as directed.

This potent solution kills weeds right down to their roots and provides quick results within an hour. Ortho Weed B Gon is rainproof within just an hour after application and can be sprayed anytime the weeds are actively growing.

Ortho Weed B Gon is by far one of the easiest weed-killing products I’ve ever used and one that actually works. I basically had to use it just once and the sun did the rest by drying out the weeds and killing them eventually.

Even though Ortho Weed B Gon works fairly quickly, some weeds can be eliminated within 24 hours and other may take longer.

Pros:

  • Kills weeds fast
  • Doesn’t hard grass and favorable plants
  • Rain-proof in an hour
  • Kills over 250 weeds
  • Kills weeds to the root
  • Ideal for large or small areas
  • Available in several sizes and covers up to 64,000 square feet
  • Can be used with a tank sprayer or Ortho Dial N Spray
  • Ready to use and perfect for spot treatments

Cons:

  • May take longer to kill certain weeds
  • Lawn may smell for a while from the solution and dead weeds

Weeds Ortho B Gon Kills

Ortho B Gon kills a long list of weeds including dandelions, clover and other broadleaf weeds to the root and without damaging your lawn. Adding to this, Ortho Weed B Gon can be used on several different types of turfgrasses including Bahiagrass, St. Augustine, Bermudagrass and Centipedegrass.

Personal Verdict

For a strong way to eliminate myriad different weeds and without damaging the grass in your lawn, you really can’t go wrong with Ortho B Gon.

This stuff worked well for all my weeds and also killed spurweed. I actually found it enjoyable spraying the weeds with the included wand but some of the larger weeds did require a real drenching of this product.

Ortho Weed B Gon Weed Killer for Lawns Ready-To-Use2 with Comfort...
1,973 Reviews
Ortho Weed B Gon Weed Killer for Lawns Ready-To-Use2 with Comfort...
  • Lawn-friendly weed control
  • Won’t harm the lawn (when used as directed)
  • Kills weeds to the root

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10. Ortho GroundClear

Ortho GroundClear

Another hit from the Ortho hangar, GroundClear works a bit differently from Ortho B Gon in that it kills a wide range of weeds and grasses as well, making it a great choice if you’re starting a lawn from scratch.

Ortho B Gon is however glyphosate free and has dmethylamine salt as its active ingredient, which is why it kills weeds and not grass. Ortho Ground Clear does contain glyphosate, owing to which it kills any vegetation it comes in contact with.

Ortho GroundClear prevents regrowth up to 1 year and is a ready and easy-to-use product with the included comfort wand. Since it gets rid of literally everything in your lawn, you can use Ortho GroundClear wherever weeds aren’t desired including sidewalks, driveways, and gravel areas.

I tried to kill wild bamboo in my yard with Ortho GroundClear but the results were a bit disappointing not because it didn’t work but because it took longer than expected.

Pros:

  • Ready to use and comes with wand spray
  • Can be used on most areas of your lawn and property
  • Prevents new growth up to 1 year
  • Visible results within an hour
  • Each 2 gallon bottle of this product creates 10.7 gallons of ready to use product

Cons:

  • Complete kill does take a bit longer in 1 – 2 weeks
  • Is a pain to mix but does the job

Weeds Ortho GroundClear Kills

Ortho GroundClear kills all types of weeds and grass and prevents regrowth for up to 1 year with a single application.

Personal Verdict

My lawn was riddled with weeds a few years ago, for which Ortho GroundClear was a lifesaver. It not only helped get rid of weeds but also prevented regrowth for roughly a year.

I found the best time to use Ortho GroundClear is when the weather forecast is dry and warm (~70 degrees F), with partial or full sun. Even though mixing the product was a little daunting, the results were well worth the time spent.

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Ortho GroundClear Year Long Vegetation Killer Ready-to-Use Wand...
15,995 Reviews
Ortho GroundClear Year Long Vegetation Killer Ready-to-Use Wand...
  • Ortho GroundClear Year Long Vegetation Killer with Comfort Wand kills weeds and prevents any re-growth for up to 1 year with a single application
  • Fast-acting formula starts working immediately
  • Starts to kill weeds and grasses in 1 hour

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11. Gordon’s SpeedZone

Gordon’s SpeedZone

Gordon’s SpeedZone is a fairly new product in the weed killer segment but is worth a mention given its raving reviews. It contains several different powerful ingredients including 2,4-D 2-ethylhexyl ester, making it an effective weed killer for several different weeds.

This post-emergent herbicide kills weeds after they crop up in your lawn and can be used for both cool-season grasses and warm-season grasses.

Gordon’s SpeedZone weed killer takes a bit longer to kills weeds than most other products on this list, somewhere between 7 to 14 days, but the weeds show signs of weakness a few hours after application.

My neighbor has had great results with Gordon’s SpeedZone, and swears by the product, saying that it wiped out the creeping Charlie that was taking over his lawn.

Pros:

  • Same percentages of active ingredient as the larger SpeedZone Red gallon size
  • Excellent post-emergent herbicide
  • Can be used on established cool-season and warm-season grass lawns
  • Weeds die within 7 – 14 days after application
  • Kills many weeds including pennywort, dandelion, and white clover

Cons:

  • Not effective in wild violets
  • Only works in spray solution with pH between pH 5 and below pH 8

Weeds Gordon’s SpeedZone Kills

Gordon’s SpeedZone kills troublesome weeds like spurge, pennywort, dandelion, and white clover.

Personal Verdict

Gordon’s SpeedZone is a strong formulation to eliminate many different weeds from your lawn. This concentrate should be mixed in the right proportions in order to be effective so you should follow the instructions listed on the product label.

SpeedZone Lawn Weed Killer Concentrate 20 oz. PBI Gordon...
86 Reviews
SpeedZone Lawn Weed Killer Concentrate 20 oz. PBI Gordon...
  • Shipping Restriction states: CA, CT, DC, IN, ME, OR, PR, RI, VT, WA
  • Due to some state regulation, we have made a company decision not to sell This product in above listed states. In addition, amazon conducts checks to ensure compliance so although our products may appear on amazon, they won't be available for checkout in states where they are not registered. If there are any new state restrictions for this product then orders will be canceled and refunds will be issued
  • Target Pests: 100 different Broad-leaf Weeds: Wild Violet, Clover, Garlic, Spurge, Plantain, Chickweed, Poison Oak and Ivy. See Product label for all listed pests.

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12. Preen Garden Weed Preventer

Preen Garden Weed Preventer

Preen – sounds like a fancy name for a dishwashing soap – at least that’s what I thought when I found a big jug of this liquid tucked away in my kitchen cabinet.

Little did I know, Preen is my wife’s go-to choice for a weed killer for her garden beds. The Preen weed preventer guarantees weed prevention for up to three months and can be used around a whopping 200 garden plants located in flower and vegetable gardens, and around trees and shrubs.

Preen is available in several different sizes including starting from a 5.6 lb bottle that covers up to 900 square feet to a large 31 lbs bag that covers up to 5,000 square feet.

Pros:

  • Easy 4 steps to weed prevention
  • Stops weeds before they start
  • Comes with bottle and bag
  • Can be used after flowering plants have germinated
  • Rain doesn’t wash away this product
  • Flip-top application cap for easy application

Cons:

  • Cannot be used on flower seeds
  • Reapplication may be needed for stubborn weeds

Weeds Preen Kills

Preen keeps your property weed-free all-season long and should be applied during the growing season and reapply every 9 – 12 weeks.

Personal Verdict

Preen is an effective pesticide to keep several different weeds in your lawn and garden, and if the wife says it works, I couldn’t agree more! It can be applied to plants between 2 inches to 3 inches tall and prevents weeds for up to 3 months.

Preen Garden Weed Preventer Bundle - 18.625 lb. - Covers 2,980...
  • Stops weeds before they start for up to 3 months, guaranteed (Applies to both products)
  • Safe for use around over 200 flowers, vegetables, trees and shrubs (Applies to both products)
  • Flip-top applicator cap makes application easy (Applies to 5.625 lb product)

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13. Ferti-Lome Weed-Out Lawn Weed Killer

Ferti-Lome Weed-Out Lawn Weed Killer

Ferti-Lome boasts a massive lineup of OMRI listed products, and the Weed-Out lawn killer is yet another bestselling product in the company’s portfolio.

The Ferti-Lome Weed-Out lawn killer is available in a 1-gallon can and can be used to control more than 200 broadleaf weeds in many types of lawn grasses including St, Augustine, Fescue, Bermuda and Bluegrass.

It is perhaps the easiest to use among most other weed killers, where you mix the concentrate with water at the suggested rates and apply. You can use Ferti-Lome for both broadcast and spot treatments but it’s important to note that the application rates vary across turfgrasses.

Pros:

  • OMRI listed product
  • Option to apply in spring when weeds are small or in the fall to remove late germinating weeds
  • Works fast, sometimes 2 – 3 days after application

Cons:

  • Surfactant not included
  • Tough weeds may come back

Weeds Ferti-Lome Kills

Ferti-Lome kills clover, dandelion and chickweed among many other weeds.

Personal Verdict

My lawn care company recommended Ferti-Lome Weed-Out to me a few years ago. They’ve even used it on my lawn to get rid of chickweed and it worked miraculously. But make sure you follow the directions on the label as application rates do vary across turfgrasses.

Fertilome (10519) Weed-Out Lawn Weed Killer (1 gal)
247 Reviews
Fertilome (10519) Weed-Out Lawn Weed Killer (1 gal)
  • Controls over 200 broadleaf weeds including Dandelion, Clover, and Chickweed. See label for more.
  • For use on Bahia, Bermuda, Zoysia, Kentucky Bluegrass, Fescue and more. See label for full list.
  • 1 pint of the liquid concentrate weed killer can treat up to 8,000 square feet of lawn or turfgrass.

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14. Dr. Earth Fiskars Machete

Dr. Earth Fiskars Machete

The Dr. Earth Fiskars Machete is a natural remedy to kill weeds in your lawn. It is both people and pet safe and is a powerful formula that kills weeds to their roots. This non-selective vegetation killer is a fact-acting organic formula that works best when sprayed during the hottest parts of the day.

Dr. Earth Fiskars Machete definitely worked for me to kill invasive weeds that I had been trying to remove for some time now. One thing I didn’t like is holding and spraying since it a large bottle that feels bulky at times and can bog you down.

On a brighter note, Dr. Earth Fiskars Machete is loaded with several active ingredients including cinnamon oil, clove oil, sesame oil and rosemary oil.

Pros:

  • Contains all-natural ingredients
  • Safe for people and pets
  • Kills grasses and broadleaf weeds

Cons:

  • A little awkward to hold when spraying
  • A little thick therefore can be hard to apply

Weeds Dr. Earth Fiskars Machete Kills

Dr. Earth Fiskars Machete kills all types of grasses and broadleaf weeds including invasive weeds.

Personal Verdict

If you’re looking for an all-natural solution to free your lawn from weeds and grasses, I can’t recommend Dr. Earth Fiskars Machete enough. It contains all natural ingredients and kills unwanted vegetation to the root. My only caveat is that it’s a bit weird to hold but if you can get past that, you have a clear winner.

DR EARTH Final Stop Ready-to-Use Natural Herbicide, 1 Gallon
181 Reviews
DR EARTH Final Stop Ready-to-Use Natural Herbicide, 1 Gallon
  • Will also kill grasses and broadleaf weeds
  • When used as directed, formula is People and pet safe
  • Highly effective formula that kills to the root

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15. BioAdvanced Bermudagrass Control for Lawns

BioAdvanced Bermudagrass Control for Lawns

BioAdvanced bills itself as a science-based lawn and garden care company and this is evident in any of their products including the Bermudagrass control for lawns and Lawn and Weed Crabgrass Killer.

I find the two products in this package handy as they are designed for somewhat different purposes – the Bermudagrass control selectively removes all Bermudagrass seeds and weeds and the All-In-One formula kills the listed lawn weeds including crabgrass, both without damaging your lawn.

I’ve had the opportunity to use both products and must say they offer impressive results. The BioAdvanced Bermudagrass Control for lawns works great on several different types of lawn grasses including fescue and Kentucky bluegrass and treats up to 5,000 square feet.

The BioAdvanced All-In-Formula is a highly versatile product that kills over 200 listed broadleaf weeds and features a SmartTrack non-staining red marker that shows treated weeds and fades with sunlight.

Pros:

  • Rain proof in 1 hour
  • Reduces the need for costly lawn care treatments
  • SmartTrack non-staining marker
  • Can be used on many different types of turfgrasses
  • Treats up to 5,000 square feet

Cons:

  • Large size bottles not available

Weeds BioAdvanced Kills

This combo pack by BioAdvanced kills crabgrass as well as several weeds listed on the label.

Personal Verdict

BioAdvanced is a leading name in the weed control segment for several reasons. This combo is a great addition to your lawn care arsenal and saved me some serious cash in buying several other weed killers.

BioAdvanced Bermudagrass Control for Lawns, Ready-to-Spray, 32 oz...
1 Reviews
BioAdvanced Bermudagrass Control for Lawns, Ready-to-Spray, 32 oz...
  • BERMUDAGRASS CONTROL: Selectively remove undesirable Bermudagrass weeds, without damaging your lawn. Use on cool-season grasses such as Fescue, Kentucky Bluegrass and Perennial Ryegrass
  • FAST TREATMENT: Reduces the need for costly, time-intensive treatments
  • RAINPROOF PROTECTION: Rainproof in 1 hour

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What Is the Most Powerful Weed Killer?

Glyphosate-based weed killers are regarded as the most powerful weed killers in the market and Ortho GroundClear is a good example.

Ortho GroundClear includes glyphosate as well as pelargonic, making a fast-acting non-selective weed killer. It is ready-to-use with the attached sprayer and kills active weeds within 2 – 10 days.

What Is the Best Weed Killer for Southern Lawns?

Spectracide Weed Stop is the best weed killer for southern lawns as it kills a variety of weeds including crabgrass and other tough weeds that thrive in the heat and will sprawl anywhere they can find sunlight, water, and bare soil.

This formulation is a mix of several different herbicides including 2,4-D, quinclorac, dicamba, and sulfentrazone, which are toxic to weeds but are relatively non-toxic to kids and pests (I’d still keep people, pets and kids away when using any herbicide).

What Is the Best Weed Killer for Northern Lawns?

There are several weeds that are common to northern lawns, for which Ortho B Gon is a top choice. It contains triclopyr, an active ingredient that works well to kill broadleaf weeds.

Ortho Weed B Gon is rainproof within 6 hours so you don’t have to worry about the rain washing away tour efforts.

What Is the Best Homemade Weed Killer for Lawns?

Many people say that baking soda is the best homemade weed killer for lawns but I’d say mixing a gallon of vinegar, a cup of salt and a tablespoon of dish soap makes a potent weed killer. Spray this solution on actively growing weeds and you should see results within 10 days or earlier.

Best Weed Killers That Won’t Kill Grass

safest weed killers that won't kill grass

By far, the safest way to control weeds without killing grass is by pulling them up. You can also remove broadleaf leaves and some grass weeds using weed eaters, but that is not easy if the lawn has been invaded extensively.

That’s when you resort to using a weed killer. The problem is, you want to kill weeds and not your lawn grass. So, what’s a safe weed killer that won’t kill grass and other good plants in your yard?

Tenacity Weed Killer

safest weed killer without killing grass

This is the best herbicide on the market that will kill weeds in your lawn without killing grass. If you have ornamental grasses in your lawn, don’t worry about killing the plants.

Tenacity is used for controlling many broadleaf weeds such as crabgrass, poison ivy, yellow sorrel, dandelion, clover, ground ivy, thistle, etc. It is safe to use on different types of lawns such as St. Augustine, fescue, Bermuda grass, zoysia, centipede, and many more.

Pro tip: Some people mix Tenacity with soap to make it stick longer and become more effective. Instead of using soap, you can use an inexpensive professional surfactant with this herbicide to spot-treat and kill weeds in your lawn.

Alternative selective weed killers that won’t kill grass include Dicamba, MCPA, Triclopyr, and Carfentrazon-ethyl.

Granular vs Liquid Concentrate Herbicides

granular vs. liquid concentrate herbicides

DIY weed control options sold at local stores and online come in two general formulations – dry (granular) or liquid concentrates.

  • Granular herbicides are the type you apply on your lawn like fertilizer while liquid weed killer is mixed with water and sprayed on the weeds.
  • Liquid herbicides must be mixed with water in the right ratio in order to be effective while granular ones are applied without any mixing involved.

Since most weed killers work by sticking to the foliage and then get absorbed into the plant system, fast-acting liquid concentrates are more effective at this because they are sprayed directly onto the plant. On the other hand, granular weed killers need to be applied to wet weeds. You may need to water your lawn before applying granular herbicides.

Pro tip: You’ll get better and faster results if you apply a liquid weed control product on your lawn weeds than when you use granular applications. The product will be absorbed easily and can stick to the plant if you use a surfactant.

Best Clover Weed Killer for Lawns

clover killer for lawns

If you are looking for the best product and ratio to use to kill clover in your lawn then you can’t beat a product called Change Up. Its a pricier product up front but over the long haul it will cost you much less than your typical big box store weed killer.

Mix up the product in your sprayer and then apply a few hours before rain or running the sprinklers. You’ll notice the clover start turning brown in 3-4 days, depending on how hot it is when you apply it. If you don’t notice any browning, then hit it with another round.


Alternatively, if you are interested in the benefits of a clover lawn, check my guide on how to grow and care for a clover lawn.


Buying Guide: What to Consider When Choosing Lawn Herbicide

weed killer buyers guide

Not all herbicides are suitable for any type of weeds. Even different landscapes may affect the choice of herbicide you use. For example, rocky areas may use a non-selective weed killer while areas near waterways may require an organic herbicide.

Here are the things to consider when choosing the best weed killer for your lawn:

  • Herbicides that won’t kill grass: Selectivity is key if you don’t want to destroy your lawn with rings of death or extensive areas of dead grass. If you have broadleaf weeds all over your lawn, choose a product that won’t kill your lawn grass.
  • Type of weeds in your lawn: Start by identifying the weeds you’re dealing with. There are very many species of weeds and choosing a herbicide that targets the specific species is key to getting rid of them.
  • Safety for kids and pets: If you have pets and kids hanging out in your lawn, you might want to consider organic options rather than chemical ones that may be harmful to them.
  • Location: Different weeds grow in different states. If you’re in Texas, you may not be dealing with the same weeds as someone in Florida. Weather and season also affect the choice of weed killer to buy. Note that some herbicides are not sold in all states across the U.S.
  • Coverage: This has to do with the potency of a concentration. Most labels guide on how much lawn the application can cover. First, measure your lawn in order to determine how much of the concentrate you’ll need to buy to control unwanted vegetation in your yard.

Above all, the type of weeds you’re dealing with may dictate different stages of control to get rid of them completely. For example, if you’re not using a systemic weed killer to control perennial weeds, you might want to control them at different stages of development.

Perennial weeds can spread via seeds as well as vegetative parts and are very difficult to kill. For these, use the strongest systemic weed killer to get rid of them.

Annual weeds grow from seed to adult plants that flower and produce seeds within one season (one year). These can be controlled using a pre-emergent and a post-emergent application.

Biennial weeds usually live for two years to complete their life-cycle. You can kill these using a post-emergent herbicide or even by cultivating.

Types of Herbicides

what are the types of herbicides

Just before you choose one of the above herbicides, it is important to understand how they work. In general, you’ll find two types of weed killers in your local store or online. These are:

  1. Pre-emergents and
  2. Post-emergents.

Let’s find out what each of these means and which one you need right now.

Pre-emergents Weed Killer

Pre-emergent weed killers for lawns work by preventing the root development of weeds in your lawn during germination. They work by inhibiting certain enzymes that stimulate root development. Most of these are used to control annual weeds.

You really want to get one of these weed preventers if you usually have a problem of annual weeds such as the following:

  • Crabgrass
  • Purslane
  • Foxtails
  • Spurge
  • Knotweed
  • Barnyardgrass

Timing is Key

The best pre-emergent weed killers can get rid of broadleaf weeds as well as grass weeds. However, remember that crabgrass preventers, as well as other types of pre-emergent herbicides, must be applied at the right time.

For example, crabgrass preventers are applied in early spring (as shown in the guide in the link). If you miss the timing, you’re likely to fail to control the weeds in your lawn.

Just after the application of a pre-emergent, you’ll need to water your lawn, or time well and apply just before it rains – according to the Colorado State University Plant Talk1.

Pre-emergents will not control existing weeds. For that, you’ll need a post-emergent application.

Post-emergent Weed Killer

These are generally weed killers that you apply after the emergence of the weeds themselves. Herbicides can be applied in a spray form or as granular applications.

If you already see weeds in your lawn, what you need right now is a post-emergent herbicide. However, after killing the existing weeds, this type of weed killer, however strong, will not prevent the germination of new weeds from seeds that are already in the soil.

As for the timing, post-emergent weed killers can be applied at any time so long as the weeds are visible.

If your best weed killer is a non-selective post-emergent, it is likely to kill your lawn grass, so be very careful how you choose. Some very strong weed killers like Roundup are known to produce this effect.

Pro tip:
If you intend to use a strong weed killer, use the spot-spray method where you apply only on the existing weed and not on the entire lawn. You may need a good surfactant for this to help the herbicide stick and remain effective.

Spot Treating vs. Spraying To Kill Weeds

Spot Treat vs. spraying to kill weeds

Spot-treating and spraying the entire lawn comes down to using liquid concentrates. Lawn herbicides can be divided into selective and non-selective applications.

See my Best Weed Sprayers guide here.

  • Selective herbicides: These are weed killer chemicals that are formulated to kill specific types or species of weeds. If you have a selective herbicide, you can spray it in your entire lawn if it is infested with weeds. Most selective products kill broadleaf weeds and not grass weeds.
  • Non-selective herbicides: These kill any plants or vegetation they come in contact with. You can buy a non-selective weed killer for your lawn if you don’t know how to identify the weeds you’re dealing with. The problem is, if you apply to your grass, you’ll end up killing the lawn grass you’re trying to grow.

One of the best non-selective herbicides on the market for a long time is Round-up. It is a thorough systemic weed remover, killing plants to the root.

If you intend to use such products on your lawn, ensure that you spot-treat using a sponge or a targeted sprayer, such as the attachment below. This will prevent harming lawn grasses.

Smucker RWTD03 Drift Free Sponge Dauber - Push Metered Weed Wiper...
16 Reviews
Smucker RWTD03 Drift Free Sponge Dauber - Push Metered Weed Wiper...
  • HAND-HELD SPONGE DAUBER: The dauber is specifically designed to wipe out weeds easily and instantly without making any extra efforts. It works perfectly on a windy day too. This handheld weed dauber is widely used for lawns, nursery, and garden area. It h
  • SAVE ON CHEMICALS: This handheld weed wiper is uniquely designed and offers optimum performance whenever used. Save on your chemical and money with this dauber that helps to put the chemical exactly on the desired spot. This helps to reduce the wastage of
  • MATERIAL USED: This gardening tool is primarily designed using high-grade material, which is designed to last and is given a cellulose sponge design. It is designed with a check valve, which can be easily be turned off when not in use, or to block the hea

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Lawn Weed Prevention

They say prevention is better than cure and this statement certainly holds true when it comes to weeds. There are plenty of ways to prevent weeds in your lawn, most of which relate to adhering to good lawn care practices.

Things such as proper fertilization, maintaining a watering schedule, and mowing at the right height can go a long way in keeping weeds at bay.

If your lawn has a few weeds here and there, you can simply hand-pull them from their roots. But if your lawn is plagued with weeds, it’s important to use the right weed killer to get rid of them.


FAQs

Q. What Can Kill Weeds Permanently?

A. There are a few steps you can take to bid adieu to weeds for good, starting with hand-pulling the ones you can. Next, apply a strong herbicide such as RoundUp to ensure the weeds are dead at root level.

Q. When is the Best Time to Apply Herbicides?

A. The best time to apply most herbicides is in the spring but always refer to manufacturer instructions on the label. This the right time for the soil to absorb the weed killers and active them to get the job done.

Q. When Can You Expect To See Results After Applying Herbicides?

A. This depends on the type of herbicide you’re applying where some take longer to work than others. However, most herbicides start showing results within a few days after application.

Q. Should I Mow Before or After Applying Herbicides? 

A. Avoid mowing your lawn after a herbicide application for the herbicide to be absorbed fully. Mow your lawn 24 to 48 hours after a herbicide application.


My Recommendation

When it comes to buying the best weed killer, you’ll be spoilt for choice given the sea of options available. However, Syngenta Tenacity is my #1 pick as it controls a wide range of weeds including tough weeds and invasive weeds such as crabgrass, yellow foxtail, and ground ivy.


References


You May Also Like…

20 Natural Weed Killer Recipes [And 2 To AVOID]

When To Apply Prodiamine 65 WDG (Hint: Not In the Summer)

How to Get Rid of Grass Burrs and Stickers in Your Lawn

3 thoughts on “The 15 Best Weed Killers for Your Lawn in 2024 [Reviews]”

  1. Glyphosate can kill pretty much any plant you spray it on. Regarding cancer, a panel of 12 jurors say it causes cancer. Almost 50 years and over 800 studies done my professional chemists say it is not carcinogenic. It depends on who you want to believe, 12 jurors that are not chemists, or 50 years and 800+ studies by professional chemists.

    2, 4D is amazing. Another great herbicide you could include is Quincloric. It does great on many weeds too. I mixed 2, 4D and Quincloric and sprayed my Zoysia lawn and it didn’t hurt my turf grass at all, even though it was not even established enough to have been mowed once. It killed 100% of the crabgrass and other weeds. Sedge was not listed as a controlled weed on either, but the first application definitely made the sedge pretty wimpy looking, but not dead. I chose to do a split application so when I came back 2 weeks later and applied again, it took out the sedge too. I mowed once before winter set in (weather really screwed me over and delayed my planting for about 4 weeks). The sedge still hasn’t come back 5+ months later. I really should have put down annual ryegrass…with new grass I couldn’t use a pre-emergent and a lot of cool season weeds popped up over the winter.

    Tenacity is great, but it isn’t safe on all turf types. I’d love to use Tenacity on my Zoysia, but Zoysia isn’t tolerant of Tenacity. My back yard though, it’s not Zoysia and I’ll be employing Tenacity there this year, then seeding with Kentucky Blue Grass and Annual Rye since it grow quickly. I need grass or my dogs will track mud through the house, and my wife will beat me, and I couldn’t even argue I didn’t deserve it! :0) She wouldn’t actually hit me, but I’d get “that look”.

    Reply
    • Thanks for the feedback Troy. I too need grass in the backyard because my dogs are tracking mud throughout. Not a fun situation for anyone in the house. 😉

      Reply

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