We all have seen those commercials depicting people killing weeds; you know which ones. The ones showing the ultimate “dad” coming out of his garage, epic Rocky music playing in the background, all while slinging out his handy dandy bottle of weed killer. But have you ever sat back and wondered how truthful these ads really are? It’s time to ask, can you really take a bottle of weed killer and see instant results?

One of the first things to understand is that the majority of weed and feed products are designed to start at the root level, not the surface. While the fancy, Hollywood directors may make it look like it is as simple as “spray and leave it”, what they really are showing you is an effective way to kill your valuable grass!

When it comes down to it, every consumer just wants to know, what is the end result for me, and my yard? Well, by following this type of killing weeds, you will end up with plenty of dead grass, which we all know is worked so hard on to look pristine. An important fact to know is that Round-Up’s bottle, and most weed killers have a fine print on it stating, “Do Not Spray On Desirable Grass.” Well, wait a minute! That guy on the TV commercial does it all the time, if that isn’t what I’m suppose to do, then what is the correct way?

Before applying, or even purchasing any herbicides, learning about your lawn is very important. Different type of grass, soil configuration, average temperature all play into picking out your correct weed killing product. They make liquid herbicides, herbicide concentrates, granular herbicides – all of which have their own specific pros and cons, all based off the environment they are being used in.

When it comes to applying the herbicide to your weeds, keep it close. You want to limit any amount of it touching your grass, so spraying directly into the weed is crucial. Stay at least 3-5 inches away from the start of the plant, while spraying or laying it down per the products instructions.

FUN FACTS ABOUT KILLING WEEDS

  • Weeds take longer to kill when evening temperatures are in the upper 30’s and low 40’s.
  • Weeds take longer to kill during heavy rain periods.
  • Weed herbicides work by causing a weed to outgrow itself. The product forces the plant to push so strongly it ends up killing itself.
  • Mowing is a very important tool in ensuring weeds die off faster. This is useful because cutting off growth, forces the weed to create a new flower stalk.
  • We always suggest allowing 2-3 weeks for weeding to properly die off.

Please follow along a step-by-step process of how properly killing weeds will look. Keep this near you for reference when it is time for you to tackle these nasty weeds in your yard!

Killing Weeds: Identify the Weed

STEP 1

Identify the weed you are trying to kill.

STEP 2

Spray the weed area, check in after 3-6 hours. This dandelion is showing restricted growth as it has just absorbed the herbicide.

Killing Weeds: Dying Weed

STEP 3

Check in on the weed after 24-48 hours. You should see the herbicide is accelerating the weed’s death. You will notice long, spindly flower tubes visible from the surface. This is when you know the weed if actually dying, and leaves will begin to distort.

Killing Weeds: Shrunken Weed

STEP 4

6-8 days after treatment has been applied, you will see the plant tubes shrunk up. The leaves will have a real discolor and shrink to them as well. Please note, even if heavy rainfall has happened, this result should STILL happen. You will occasionally see weaker products get washed out from rain, so stray away from the cheapest options out there.