5 Weed Killer Products To Steer Clear Of (And 6 Better Alternatives)

When you spend a lot of time working to keep your lawn healthy and green and your borders neat, it can be very discouraging to find weeds sprouting and starting to spread. Acting quickly to get rid of creeping Charlie, spurge, dandelions, and other weeds before they become an even bigger source of frustration is important. There are many commercially-available weed killers that are designed to get rid of these nuisances, allowing you to once again enjoy your space.

But before you rush to the store and simply grab the first weed killer you see off the shelf, there are a few you will probably want to steer clear of. We reached out to several lawn care experts who shared with House Digest some of the potential dangers of using certain weed killers. Some have the ability to harm the wanted plants in your garden, may not be effective at killing the weeds you want to remove, or could end up damaging your lawn. Ahead, we'll share the exclusive knowledge from our experts outlining which weed killers they suggest avoiding and the better alternatives that they recommend trying instead.

You may find yourself disappointed if you use Spectracide Weed & Grass Killer to get rid of weeds in your yard. As a non-selective herbicide, it can kill more than just the weeds you are trying to target. During an exclusive interview with House Digest, Brad Saunders, the president of Heroes Lawn Care, explains, "The nozzle can be difficult to control, and that often leads to overspray, which puts your nearby plants at risk." Because the product is rainproof, attempts to reverse over-spraying by rinsing it off of wanted plants may not be successful.

Beyond its potential to inadvertently kill the wanted plants in your yard or garden, Saunders highlights another drawback of this weed killer. He says, "If you apply it too generously or during hot weather, you could end up with a burnt lawn." Moreover, Saunders says that Spectracide Weed & Grass Killer simply doesn't perform as well as other weed killers, meaning you might not even be able to fully get rid of the unwanted weeds as you threaten the other plants in your yard and garden.

There is a lot of controversy surrounding Roundup Weed & Grass Killer. It is often highlighted as a top pick for tackling weeds because of its effectiveness for killing the entire plant. However, while its strength is a reason why some landscaping professionals recommend the product, it can also come with some unintended consequences. Saunders explains that Roundup, especially the Roundup Weed & Grass Killer and other general use formulations, may do more harm than good to a lawn. He says, "It doesn't just take out weeds — it can also leave you with bare patches in your lawn if you're not careful."

Roundup's key ingredient is glyphosate, which is a non-selective herbicide. This means that it will kill any plants or grass that it comes into contact with. "Even application can be a challenge, and when things go wrong, you'll notice yellow spots or dead zones that take time to recover," notes Saunders. If you are going to consider using Roundup in your garden, then utilizing a spray collar hack that will prevent the herbicide from drifting onto the wanted plants or grasses may be a good idea.

Another reason to reconsider using Roundup is because of its link to cancer, specifically non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Monsanto, the parent company, has paid out approximately $11 billion in settlements related to the herbicide and the detrimental effects it has had on some users. Therefore, this product is definitely one you may want to use with extreme caution, or — better yet — avoid altogether.

Although Ortho Weed B Gon is a favorite with lawn care professionals as a potent spot treatment, its strength can make application tricky, especially in warm weather. According to Saunders, "It's sensitive to application conditions. A hot day or a little too much [sun], and you might see yellow spots or even damage to your grass."

Carefully spraying Ortho Weed B Gon only on the intended targets could help minimize the potentially negative impact on your grass. Unfortunately, as Saunders notes, targeted spraying isn't so simple with this weed killer. "The spray nozzle isn't as precise as you'd hope, so you might end up harming plants you didn't intend to," he explains.

Ortho Weed B Gon presents a unique set of challenges, but does effectively kill those unwanted weeds. So, while you might not want to make it your mainstay weed killer, you could keep it in mind as a final resort for supremely stubborn weeds that simply aren't responding to other treatments. However, just make sure that you are very careful about when you use it and avoid applying it in the heat or to already stressed grass.

Ortho GroundClear isn't called GroundClear for nothing. It is a non-selective weed killer, which means that it will kill any plants that it comes into contact with, not just the weeds that you are trying to rid from your lawn or garden. In an exclusive interview, Jeremy Yamaguchi, the CEO of Lawn Love, tells House Digest that Ortho GroundClear is "one of the most damaging [non-selective weed killers] to grass and other plants, which is saying something."

Yamaguchi cautions that while the herbicide can effectively kill unwanted weeds and prevent them from returning for up to a year, "it can so easily reach areas you don't want to touch with it." You could end up wiping out (or setting back) entire sections of your garden or grass if you inadvertently overapply the spray or it ends up drifting away from your intended targets. If you're looking to clear an entire yard of vegetation, this might be a potential use for Ortho GroundClear (as the name suggests), but you may still risk overspray into neighboring areas or properties, making manual removal a far safer option. 

When you're on the hunt for the best weed killer, Natria is another popular brand that you might want to think twice before spraying in your yard. Tom Monson, the owner of Monson Lawn & Landscaping, tells House Digest in an exclusive interview that he's lost confidence in the brand. "Natria used to be an effective, natural weed control spray, but something has changed. I'd recommend that homeowners avoid this brand today." He feels that it doesn't deliver the same effective results that he used to see when using it to kill weeds.

Moreover, Monson notes that the quality of the bottle is not on par with other weed killers and that it often arrives broken if ordered online. Indeed, many Amazon customers noted that their shipments arrived with broken nozzles or sprayers. One wrote, "I ordered this product twice from Amazon. Both times the spray nozzle was broken, rendering the item unusable."

Espoma Organic Weed Preventer is a natural weed killer you can use without the worries that come with other chemical-based herbicides. Saunders explains, "It's made from corn gluten meal, so it's safe for kids, pets, and the environment." The safe and natural formula is also rich in nitrogen, meaning it will help nourish your lawn as it prevents weeds from growing. The manufacturer even says that this product can be applied around vegetables, which checks out, as corn gluten meal ranks among some of the safest types of weed killers to use in your vegetable garden.

There is one caveat to keep in mind before trying Espoma Organic Weed Preventer. According to Saunders, "It won't handle existing weeds, but it does a fantastic job of stopping new ones from sprouting." Aim to apply it in the early spring before weeds start appearing and again in the early fall to continue warding them off. Some of the weeds it can help control include dandelions, crabgrass, purslane, quackgrass, catchweed, and foxtail.

Saunders also highlights Scotts Turf Builder Weed & Feed as a safe and effective product to help control the weeds in your lawn and garden. "For something that tackles weeds and feeds your lawn at the same time, Scotts Turf Builder Weed & Feed is a reliable pick. It's designed to nourish your grass while taking care of those unwanted plants, and it's easy to apply with a spreader," he says.

The special formula works to kill both the weeds you see, along with those that are still hiding at or beneath the surface. It grips onto the weed, effectively eliminating it as a problem in your yard. It can kill more than 50 different types of weeds, such as dandelions, clover, chickweed, ragweed, and purslane. Scotts recommends applying the Turf Builder to your lawn when weeds are actively growing. For best results, the lawn should be damp when you apply it and the daytime temperatures should be between 60 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit for best results. It is safe to use on various types of grass, including fescue, ryegrass, zoysiagrass, and bluegrass.

Sometimes, your first attempts at weed removal may not be successful. Before turning to potentially dangerous herbicides that could damage your grass and other wanted plants in your yard, Saunders highlights Bonide Weed Beater as a top choice. He says it can be an especially good option for those "dealing with persistent weeds like dandelions or clover. It's gentle on your lawn but tough on weeds, and it comes in both liquid and granular forms, so you can choose what works best for you." He continues, "It's a dependable product that won't leave you with yellowing or other lawn damage."

Bonide Weed Beater is a selective weed killer that is formulated to get rid of more than 200 types of broadleaf weeds. It goes beyond killing just the part of the weed that you visibly see by penetrating the surface and killing the roots too. The formula includes Trimec, which means that it can even tackle some more stubborn weeds like spurge or poison ivy. This weed killer works quickly, allowing you to notice a difference in your lawn and garden within as little as 24 hours.

Opting for a selective weed killer, instead of a non-selective herbicide, can help you target only the weeds you want to get rid of without threatening your grass or the other wanted plants in your lawn and garden. Yamaguchi highlights Dandelion Doom Herbicide from Sunday as his top recommendation. "It is completely lawn-safe, so it tackles anything from dandelions to clovers incredibly well without damaging your turfgrass at all. And, results are pretty fast," he says.

The iron-based formula of this weed killer is what allows it to effectively kill weeds without threatening your grass. In fact, it can even help keep dollar spot, snow mold, and other lawn diseases from taking over your lawn. When applied to weeds, the formula works to kill both the portion of the plant that is above the ground, in addition to the roots deep beneath the ground. The spray is also much safer for people and animals — as soon as it dries, the lawn will be safe for use.

If you have children or animals and are looking for pet-friendly weed killer products, consider the Eco Garden Pro Organic Vinegar Weed Killer. Kaushikan Ganesan, the owner of Splendid Landscaping, highlights this as one of his top recommended products. During an exclusive interview with House Digest, he says, "Another great option is the Eco Garden Pro Organic Vinegar Weed Killer in which vinegar, sea salt and many other ingredients are safe and effective. The product is eco-friendly and can show effect within 24 hours while still being non-toxic to the pets."

The weed killer comes pre-mixed and ready for use. Unlike some other products, you won't need to dilute it or mix it with any other ingredients before applying it to your lawn. Once sprayed on weeds, it will kill them on contact. Before trying this product, however, it is important to note that it is non-selective. This means that it will not only kill the weeds you spray it on, but also any nearby grass or wanted plants. For this reason, you might want to limit its use to large patches of grass and weeds, or to clearing out an overgrown flower bed before starting from scratch with new plants.

If you're looking for non-toxic products to tackle pesky spurge and other weeds, you might want to try the Green Gobbler Vinegar Weed Killer. Loren Taylor, a landscaping expert and owner of Outdoor Fountain Pros, tells House Digest during an exclusive interview that it's her recommendation for those looking for a safer alternative to chemical herbicides. She says, "It's a straightforward product, derived from vinegar, and it's free from harsh chemicals. Once it dries, it's safe for pets and children, which is a priority in any family-friendly yard."

The formula, which is certified for organic use, is free of glyphosate and other potentially cancer-causing chemicals. Instead, it is derived from corn and uses acetic acid (vinegar) to kill dandelions, crabgrass, clover, and other pesky weeds. As a non-selective weed killer, the formula will also kill grass and other plants in your lawn and garden. So, you'll need to be careful about where you spray it to avoid damaging desirable plants.