10 Best Weed Killers That Are Safe for Your Lawn

Weed Killer Safe for Grass: What You Need to Know

When it comes to maintaining a lush, green lawn, there's no room for weeds. However, most weed killers on the market today contain harsh chemicals that can harm your grass along with the weeds. Luckily, there are some safe and effective weed killers that won't damage your lawn. In this article, we'll take a look at the 10 best weed killers that are safe for grass.

1. Corn Gluten Meal

What is Corn Gluten Meal?

Corn gluten meal is a natural byproduct of corn processing. It contains proteins that inhibit the growth of weed roots but does not affect established plants. This means that it's best used as a pre-emergent herbicide, meaning it will prevent weeds from growing in the first place.

How to Use Corn Gluten Meal

To use corn gluten meal as a weed killer, you need to apply it before the weeds to grow. This is usually in early spring when soil temperatures reach around 55°F. You should apply the meal at a rate of 20 pounds per 1,000 square feet of lawn.

2. Vinegar

What is Vinegar?

Vinegar is an acidic liquid that is commonly used in cooking. However, it can also be used as a natural weed killer. The acetic acid in vinegar dries out the leaves of the weeds, eventually killing them.

How to Use Vinegar

To use vinegar as a weed killer, you should mix it with water in a 1:1 ratio. You can then apply the solution to the weeds using a spray bottle or a watering can. Be careful not to spray any grass or plants that you want to keep, as vinegar will kill them too.

3. Boiling Water

What is Boiling Water?

Boiling water is a simple and effective way to kill weeds. When you pour boiling water on a plant, it causes the cells to burst, which ultimately kills the plant.

How to Use Boiling Water

To use boiling water as a weed killer, you should simply boil some water and pour it over the weeds. Be careful not to spill any water on your grass or other plants, as the boiling water will kill them too.

4. Salt

What is Salt?

Salt is a natural mineral that can be used as a weed killer. When applied to the soil, salt dehydrates the plants, eventually killing them.

How to Use Salt

To use salt as a weed killer, you should mix it with water in a 1:1 ratio. You can then apply the solution to the weeds using a spray bottle or a watering can. However, be careful not to use too much salt, as it can also harm your grass and other plants.

5. Hand Weeding

What is Hand Weeding?

Hand weeding is the process of physically removing weeds from your lawn by pulling them out by the roots. It's a labor-intensive process but can be very effective.

How to Hand Weed

To hand weed, you should simply grab the weed as close to the ground as possible and pull it out by the roots. Be sure to wear gloves to protect your hands from thorns or prickly plants.

6. Organic Herbicides

What are Organic Herbicides?

Organic herbicides are weed killers that are made with natural ingredients, such as essential oils or soap. They are safe for your lawn and the environment but may not be as effective as chemical herbicides.

How to Use Organic Herbicides

To use organic herbicides, you should follow the instructions on the label carefully. Most organic herbicides need to be applied directly to the weeds using a spray bottle or a watering can.

7. Corn Gluten Meal Plus

What is Corn Gluten Meal Plus?

Corn gluten meal plus is a combination of corn gluten meal and other natural ingredients, such as soybean oil and lecithin. It's an effective pre-emergent herbicide that also provides some fertilization to your lawn.

How to Use Corn Gluten Meal Plus

To use corn gluten meal plus as a weed killer, you should apply it before the weeds to grow. This is usually in early spring when soil temperatures reach around 55°F. You should apply the meal at a rate of 20 pounds per 1,000 square feet of lawn.

8. Weed Torch

What is a Weed Torch?

A weed torch is a tool that uses propane gas to produce a flame that can burn weeds. It's a quick and easy way to kill weeds without using any chemicals.

How to Use a Weed Torch

To use a weed torch, you should simply point the flame at the weeds and burn them. Be careful not to burn your grass or other plants, as the flame can get very hot.

9. Organic Lawn Care

What is Organic Lawn Care?

Organic lawn care is a holistic approach to lawn maintenance that focuses on building healthy soil and using natural products to promote the growth of grass while minimizing the growth of weeds.

How to Use Organic Lawn Care

To use organic lawn care, you should by testing your soil to determine its pH and nutrient levels. You can then adjust the pH and add any necessary nutrients using natural products like lime or compost. You should also mow your lawn regularly and leave the clippings on the grass to provide natural fertilizer.

10. Chemical Herbicides

What are Chemical Herbicides?

Chemical herbicides are weed killers that contain synthetic chemicals designed to kill weeds. They are generally more effective than natural alternatives but can harm your lawn and the environment.

How to Use Chemical Herbicides

To use chemical herbicides, you should follow the instructions on the label carefully. It's important to use the correct amount of herbicide and apply it at the right time to avoid damaging your lawn.

FAQs

1. Is it safe to use weed killers on my lawn?

Most weed killers on the market today are safe for your lawn when used according to the instructions on the label. However, some chemical herbicides can harm your grass and other plants.

2. Are natural weed killers as effective as chemical ones?

Natural weed killers can be just as effective as chemical ones in some cases. However, they may not work as well on tough or established weeds.

3. How often should I apply weed killer to my lawn?

The frequency of weed killer application depends on the type of weed killer you're using and the severity of the weed problem in your lawn. Follow the instructions on the label carefully.

4. Can I use weed killer on a newly seeded lawn?

It's generally not recommended to use weed killer on a newly seeded lawn, as it can harm the young grass plants.

5. Can I use vinegar as a weed killer?

Yes, vinegar can be used as a natural weed killer. Just be careful not to spray any plants that you want to keep, as vinegar can kill them too.