Bruno Pugh
Got weeds messing up your lawn? Before you grab any old weed control products, let’s chat. Some products can harm your grass or just don’t work. We’ve got the scoop on 15 weed control products to avoid and better alternatives to try.
Glyphosate-Based Weed Control Products
Glyphosate can wipe out any plant it touches, including your grass if not used carefully. While it doesn’t stay in the soil for long, overuse can lead to resistant weeds. Try using vinegar or citrus-based weed removers for smaller weeds, but even those can harm grass if applied carelessly.
General Weed Control Products That Target Everything
Some herbicides wipe out everything they touch, even the lawn you want to protect. A single misapplication left a yard with brown patches. Instead, opt for selective herbicides designed to target weeds specifically while keeping your grass unharmed.
Weed and Feed Products
Weed and feed products promise to control weeds and fertilize simultaneously, but they often do neither well. It’s smarter to tackle weed control and fertilizing separately. Dedicated products deliver better results and ensure a healthier lawn.
Salt-Based Weed Control Products
Salt removes weeds but leaves behind bad soil, where nothing will grow for years. If you use salt, the spot might become permanently barren. It’s better to use organic herbicides that handle weeds without damaging the soil or grass.
Boiling Water Treatments
Pouring boiling water on weeds can make them disappear, but it also harms nearby grass and plants, leaving behind bad patches. A safer method is hand-pulling weeds or using a targeted spray. This way, weeds are removed without harming the rest of your lawn.
Diesel or Gasoline as Weed Removers
Diesel or gasoline on weeds is not only dangerous but prohibited in many places. These methods contaminate soil and water and can lead to long-term environmental harm. Safer, eco-friendly weed control options protect both your yard and the planet.
Homemade Bleach Solutions
Not only do bleach mixtures destroy weeds, but they also damage lawns and wildlife. They can turn a yard’s grass yellow and ruin it. Instead, natural weed preventers like corn gluten meal stop weeds from sprouting without harmful side effects.
Overuse of Pre-Emergent Herbicides
When used excessively, pre-emergent herbicides prevent not only weeds but also grass from sprouting. If reseeding is in your plans, this can cause issues. Follow the instructions carefully, or opt for organic alternatives that won’t hinder grass growth.
Vinegar at Full Strength
While vinegar can dry out weeds, at full strength, it may harm your grass. Diluting vinegar with water is a safer option, but multiple applications might be necessary. Even when diluted, vinegar can still damage plants if applied too broadly.
Flame Weeders
Flame weeders burn away weeds but can also start fires in your lawn or garden. One incident almost caused a fence to catch fire. Safer alternatives include mulching or using a weeding tool to remove weeds by hand, which makes your yard safe from accidents.
Over-reliance on Weed Control Products
Using weed control products too often without addressing underlying problems won’t solve the issue. Build a healthier lawn through regular mowing, watering, and fertilizing naturally to prevent weeds and reduce the need for chemicals.
Using Old or Expired Products
Old or expired weed control products might not be effective. Even a single attempt to use a forgotten bottle can result in no visible improvements. Check expiration dates and use fresh products for better results. Fresh solutions deliver the outcomes you’re looking for.
Applying Products at the Wrong Times
Applying weed removers at the wrong time, like just before rain, reduces their effectiveness. For the best results, apply products during dry conditions. By timing it right, you will make sure the treatment sticks and the weeds don’t return.
Ignoring Label Instructions
Not following the label’s directions can lead to poor results or even ruin to your lawn. Over-mixing a product once burned grass completely. Make sure to follow the instructions for safety so the product works as intended and your lawn remains healthy and beautiful.
Using Pet-Unfriendly Products
Certain weed control products can pose risks to pets. To keep your pets safe, choose natural alternatives like manual weeding or pet-safe herbicides. That way, your yard remains a safe place for everyone to enjoy.