Keeping up With Weed-free Lawns: The Strongest Weed Killers to Use

Kenneth Wilson

Has your lawn seen better days? Nobody likes an unsightly lawn with overgrown weeds, brown patches, and a generally unkempt appearance. To bring your curb appeal up a few notches, it is crucial to use the strongest weed killer on the market to ensure that your landscape will remain in its prime. This will protect your lawn from invasive weeds like crabgrass, dandelions, and sedges.

A strong weed killer for lawns helps eliminate common deep-rooted weeds. These products are usually systemic, so they enter the plant's system to kill them entirely (down to the root.) Without further ado, here's a list of our favorite strongest weed and grass killers today. (Related: Using Tenacity Weed Killer for Lawn Control and Maintenance)

450 Ratings

This weed killer is a crowd-favorite choice for areas that prioritize quality results, including residential turf grass, sports stadiums, and golf courses.

0 Rating

This strong weed killer for lawns from Resolva is highly effective in eliminating annual and deep-rooted perennial weeds.

24 Ratings

This systemic weed killer that is aquatic-safe and foliar-applied effectively removes even the toughest deep-rooted perennial weeds and grasses such as Mare's tail.

5,226 Ratings

Ortho Weed B Gon is a selective herbicide that can eliminate weeds while leaving the grass unharmed.

2 Ratings

The Southern Ag 2,4-D is another strong weed killer that will help prevent the growth of unsightly weeds from taking over your beautiful lawn.

2,831 Rating

Vitax SBK Brushwood Tough Weedkiller does not harm the grass, which is a significant distinction.

2,874 Ratings

This non-selective weed killer can help you remove unwanted weeds off your walkways, roadways, and gravel areas.

1,434 Ratings

The is best natural herbicide for destroying all vegetation, since it is made of ocean salt water, vinegar, and soap.

5,412 Rating

This glyphosate-based weed killer is formulated to attack virtually anything, including the rest of your healthy lawn. (Practicing caution is always advised)

10,941 Ratings

This works best when used close to fence lines, pools, patios, or in gaps in the driveway or sidewalk.

In This Review & Buyers Guide

10 of the Strongest Weed Killers on the Market

If you're browsing Google on "What is the strongest weed killer" today, we've rounded up our top picks for your convenience.


This weed killer from Spectracide is a crowd-favorite choice for areas that prioritize quality results, including residential turf grass, sports stadiums, and golf courses. Thanks to its diversity, you can apply the product from flower beds to hardscapes (walkways and patios).

We're also big fans of its quick same-day results after application. Within 15 minutes, the weed killer becomes weather-proof. This product is available in a 64 oz. container. As such, it's best to dilute the chemical before applying it using a tank sprayer. Another significant consideration is its ready-to-use spray format– ensuring a quick and easy application.

Advantages


  • It comes with a built-in-sprayer
  • You can use it on hardscapes
  • The product becomes rainproof after 15 minutes

Another strong weed and grass killer is the Gallop Glyphosate Weed Killer, a systemic weed killer that is aquatic-safe and foliar-applied. It effectively removes even the toughest deep-rooted perennial weeds and grasses such as Mare's tail. Note that inactive weeds cannot absorb the chemicals well. Avoid applying this weed killer during your dormant turfgrass phase.

Inactive weeds can't absorb the liquid; therefore, applying it during a dormant phase has no effect. We strongly urge you to double-check the directions on the bottle before mixing the solution, as the recommended measurements may depend on your need.


The Southern Ag 2,4-D is another strong weed killer that will help prevent the growth of unsightly weeds from taking over your beautiful lawn. It has a concentrated formula that focuses on eliminating broadleaf weeds, including clover, crabgrass, and dandelions.

Many homeowners consider this product to give them bang for their buck! For starters, you'll only need a tablespoon for one gallon of water. Once the solution is diluted and sprayed on your infested lawn, expect to see all weeds killed within three days. Visible results can be noticeable in under 30 minutes.

Important Note: This weed killer can be harmful to people and pets. Avoid accessing the sprayed area for at least 24 hours after application.

Advantages


  • It does not burn grass
  • This product works on all grass types
  • It is effective in getting rid of troublesome, hard-to-get weeds

The Roundup Super Concentrate Tough Weedkiller is another excellent consideration to get the job done! It can even get rid of brambles, thistles, and nettles... so you can use it on bushes and tree stumps.

This non-selective weed killer can help you remove unwanted weeds off your walkways, roadways, and gravel areas. But, avoid using it on the rest of your lawn and the other healthy grass. You can count on this product to work systemically to eliminate stubborn weeds straight to the root, preventing quick regrowth.


If you want the strongest weed killer that kills everything, you may want to look into the Rootblast Super Concentrated Weed Killer.

This glyphosate-based weed killer is formulated to attack virtually anything, including the rest of your healthy lawn. (As such, practicing caution is always advised when using this product). It is effective against the most common annual and perennial weeds and broadleaf and grass weeds. It is formulated with a high concentration of glyphosate, an active chemical that makes it stand out from the rest of the competition.

Do note that you will need to be patient when using this product. The sight of yellow leaves and stems may be alarming, but it usually suggests progress. Results become visible for two to four weeks (or longer).


This strong weed killer for lawns from Resolva is highly effective in eliminating annual and deep-rooted perennial weeds.

Thanks to its unique IQ technology, it efficiently combines the fast results from a contact weed killer and the deep root penetration of a systemic weed killer. Remember that any weed killer will need to be used correctly during the right time of the year to achieve the best results.

Long-time users love that this weed killer is non-selective, non-residual, and systematic. Furthermore, it penetrates the root system of unwanted weeds to destroy their growth enzymes. This prevents the possibility of its future development.


Ortho Weed B Gon is a selective herbicide that can eliminate weeds while leaving the grass unharmed. For a fair price, ortho can kill over 200 weeds ranging from dandelions to clover. A gallon of it can cover around 64,000 square feet or almost as big as a soccer field. It also comes in various sizes.

You should notice results the same day because this product kills weeds at its roots; it has been found that weeds begin to die within 30 minutes. The formula is rainproof in one hour and works well for northern and southern grass.


Roundup Super Concentrate Tough Weedkiller and Vitax SBK Brushwood Tough Weedkiller appear to be the same product. They are both invincible against woody weeds like brambles, thistles, nettles, dock, ivy, hardwood saplings, and tree stumps. Vitax SBK Brushwood Tough Weedkiller does not harm the grass, which is a significant distinction. You read that right; this won't kill your grass.

This is especially true because Vitax SNX consists of triclopyr and not glyphosate. Triclopyr does not affect your grass and is effective against broadleaf weeds and woody plants. Vitax is the only weed killer on our list that you can use without worrying about harming your lawn.

You can put it on your lawn if there are a lot of weeds present; violets enjoy it in particular. Still, this systemic weed killer destroys the plant at the roots. Anticipate the Vitax to remain in the soil for a couple of weeks after application because it has a lasting effect. This may stop you from planting in the area right away. Despite having a half-life of 60 days and being biodegradable, the active chemical can persist for up to 90 days in dead plants. Before re-cultivating or planting, you must wait at least six weeks after using this weed killer.


The best natural herbicide for destroying all vegetation is Doctor Kirchner's Natural Weed & Grass Killer, which is made of ocean salt water, vinegar, and soap. This nonselective herbicide is intended for use at full strength in either a garden sprayer or spray bottle and is pre-mixed in a large 128-fluid-ounce jug.

This solution performs well for mowing lines and preventing invasive grasses from growing in gaps between pavers, sidewalks, and driveways. Plants start to wilt within hours after applying this natural weed killer. The liquid has a long shelf life, so it will still be effective a year from now.


This nonselective post-emergent herbicide, which comes in a 1-gallon bottle and covers 1,200 square feet, uses a powerful and pet-safe vinegar formula to eliminate crabgrass, dandelion, and other troublesome weeds. It works best when used close to fence lines, pools, patios, or in gaps in the driveway or sidewalk because it is a general weed killer.

The fast-acting solution can kill weeds within 24 hours and degrades in soil within days; to apply, attach the included trigger sprayer to a pump sprayer or fill a pump sprayer with the liquid herbicide before aiming and spraying.

Kenneth Wilson
August 2, 2022
2terra, Reviews, Yard & Garden

Kenneth Wilson

Retired contractor. Currently residing in Southwest Florida. Now in semi-retirement, I write and manage this blog focused on helping home owners make savvy decisions when it comes to finding contractors and getting their projects done. I also operate remodeling design service for homeowners.

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