The Best Weed Killers [Buying Guide + Reviews] In The UK

So, is your garden getting overrun by weeds and unwanted plants? That’s an easy question. The real issue is whose isn’t? I mean, just when you’ve sacrificed months of hard work to get your lawn exactly how you like it and what do you see?

From stinging nettles, black jack, milk weed, dandelions, thistles, bindweed and about a million wild grasses, these are just a few of the weeds you’re likely to find in the average garden or lawn. But the real nightmare comes in the fact that weeds can be quite stubborn; even if you uproot all those suckers, they still find a way to grow back.

But before you start panicking, there are plenty of ways to deal with weeds effectively. That’s right, by using some of the best weed killers on the market. Before I get to the most popular products and look for the strongest weed killer that kills everything, there are some features you need to consider first.

For starters, you need to know the type of weed you’re dealing with; fortunately, most weed killers are made to cover a broad range of unwanted plants. Likewise, it helps if you know the concentration of your chosen weed killer. While high concentrations are often effective, they can be a bit dangerous and require plenty of care while handling.

Some of the other features to consider include the type of weed killer you want. If you know your lawn or garden is prone to getting weeds, then you might want a pre-emergent weed killer. This allows you to prevent the weed germination in the first place. Or, you could just wait like most people until weeds start taking over your lawn before taking action. In this case, you’ll want a post emergent weed killer.

I’ve compiled a list of some of the most highly ranked weed killers in the UK.

1. Roundup Fast Action Weedkiller Pump n Go Spray

 

If the professionals are using it, then you know that it’s probably more than okay for your lawn. Boasting of top of the line technology, Roundup Fast Action Weedkiller Pump n Go Spray has been specially formulated to kill tough weeds right to the root. Premixed for easy and convenient weed control, this product starts working in a matter of hours.

But that’s not the best part; this purchase comes with an included pump n go system that allows for three full minutes of continuous spray. That is hands down the longest spray action of any ready to use weed killer currently available. The manufacturer does however advice that this is a concentrated killer that shouldn’t be used on all the parts of your lawn.

What I like about it:

  • Fast action killer works in hours
  • Kills most garden weeds in single application
  • Coveted unique Pump n Go Spray system

2. Neudorff Superfast Long Lasting Weedkiller

 

If there’s one thing that stands out about Neudorff, it’s their love for nature and harmony. That’s why all of their products have remained environmentally friendly since 1854. We all know what that means don’t we? With their products, you get to create a beautiful, natural garden with a clear conscience. And nothing does more good to your garden and lawn than the Neudorff Superfast and Long Lasting Weedkiller.

This weed killer is suitable for all gardens and allotments and comes fully ready to use. Whether it’s gout weed, mosses, field horsetail, or grasses, the product eliminates all of them. It works as a complete herbicide that seeps down to the roots for a long lasting effect against re-growth. What’s more, the weed killer is fully biodegradable and don’t pose any toxicity or bees and friendly, pollination-assisting insects.

What I like about it:

  • Environmentally friendly weed killer
  • Affordable price range
  • Low toxicity levels to bees and insects

3. Vitax SBK 1L Brushwood Tough Weedkiller

 

Firmly established in the UK as one of the best garden product makers, Vitax has been in business for over half a century. Their motto is all about providing some of the best customer service known to man. Their newest and toughest weed killer goes by the name Vitax SBK 1L Brushwood Killer Tough Weedkiller.

The active ingredient in this particular weed eliminator is tricopyr which as most professionals will tell you is incredibly effective for brush control in wooded areas. So if Vitax SBK works so well on woody plants, why should a few herbs and unwanted shrubs pose any challenge? Some of the other common weeds that this weed killer is used to eliminate include dock, brambles, nettles, hardwood saplings, tree stumps and other neglected non gardening areas.

What I like about it:

  • Extremely easy to use and apply liquid formula
  • Boasts of triclopyr as the active ingredient
  • Ideal for hard and woody weeds, stems and plants

4. Weedol Rootkill Plus Power Sprayer Weedkiller

 

Widely renowned for being a good quality weedkiller, the new Weedol formulated formula ticks all the right boxes. This makes it ideal to be used on both hard surfaces as well as flower beds and lawn borders. This particular product uses a systemic action to kill and eliminate all foliage and roots ensuring the stubborn weeds do not return. The effects are clearly visible after only an hour and it degrades down into the soil so treated areas can be planted afterwards.

Designed more for domestic or residential use rather than industrial, this effective weedkiller contains glyphosate plus Pyraflufen Ethyl. Users can apply it with a watering can or garden sprayer which is unusual for such weed killers. Other advantages are children and pets do not need to be excluded from the treated area once dry thanks to environmental friendly composition.

What I like about it:

  • New power sprayer function
  • Effortless trigger action
  • Continuous spray for even application

5. Bayer Garden Super Strength Glyphosate

 

Hey, we all need to take care of our lawns, even if it’s on as low a budget as you can go. The good news is that one company has heard our pleas for one of the cheapest weed killers on the market. Introducing what is perhaps the most budget conscious weed killer on our list today, the Bayer Garden Super Strength Glyphosate is quite effective for its price range.

But don’t be fooled by the cheap cost; this product is incredibly effective for a wide range of weeds. These include stinging nettles, thistles, docks, couch grass, dandelions, grasses, creeping buttercups as well as ivy, bracken and other deep rooted weeds. Just drop the simple soluble sachets into water and apply with a watering can or sprayer.

What I like about it:

  • More amount of sachets with purchase
  • Most affordable weed killer on the market
  • Allows for immediate replanting once weeds die

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How to make home made weed killer?

There are a lot of options you can take before you resort to harsh, store bought chemicals. Bear in mind that DIY weed killers may not be quite as effective as the shop bought ones, but they will do the job – even if they have to be reapplied frequently. It’s a small price to pay!

  • Vinegar – As long as it is at least 5% acetic acid, vinegar is an effective weed killer. It is not choosy about what it kills however, and can affect the soil it is sprayed onto, so it may be wise to stick to using vinegar on driveways and patios.
  • Salt solution – Salt is a very effective weed killer. Simply dilute salt and water at a ratio of 3:1, stir or shake the mixture to make sure the salt is dissolved, then spray the weeds, and sit back and watch the results. Alternatively, you can just sprinkle the salt onto the roots of the plant – but remember that salt will affect the soil, and can continue to impede plant growth for a long time. It is not recommended to use a salt weed killer on your lawn.
  • Bleach – Not just for cleaning your sink! Bleach is a good weed killer in an emergency; just spray some bleach onto the weeds you want to get rid of and you will see them wither almost before your eyes. It is not recommended to use bleach as a long term herbicide however, as it is extremely toxic.
  • Vinegar, salt and soap – You can combine these three products to make a weed killer which is suitable for a great many different weeds.
  • Covering – You can kill weeds well by removing their source of warmth, light and water. Cover them with newspaper, cardboard, old carpet, or anything else that will block out the light.
  • Boiling water – Extremely hot water is another cheap, simple and harmless way of killing weeds. All you need to do is boil the kettle and tip the water out on the weeds you want to kill – just make sure you don’t accidentally scald plants you want to keep.

Q: When to apply weed killer?

To avoid having to apply and reapply weed killer over and over again, it is best to apply it before the weeds have actually started to germinate. This is generally in the early spring, and it is often advised to do a repeat application about 8 weeks after the first application.

Some weed killers work best when applied to the new growth of young weeds, so wait until a few new shoots have appeared if you are using this type of weed killer.

It is also a good idea to time your application of weed killer for when a period of dry weather is due, because the rain will wash off the herbicide and make it less effective.

You should also read the label of your chosen weed killer to check how long it will linger in the soil, so that it will not cause harm to plants that are due to be planted in the soil.

Q: How long to keep dog off grass after weed killer?

It is best to keep your dog – and your family, and yourself – away from the area that has been treated with weed killer for as long as possible. You should allow 24 hours as a bare minimum, with some types of weed killer suggesting that they be kept away from for up to 3 weeks.

Q: How long does it take for weed killer to work?

The time taken before the weeds are completely dead will vary from weed killer to weed killer, but as a general rule you will see the weeds turning yellow to brown, and they will usually be dead within 48 hours.

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