Best Weed Killer for 2013

I remember the first time I had to deal with weeds, it was our first summer in our first home (yes, a lot of firsts) when I noticed that some unpleasant looking plants suddenly started sprouting in our yard. I was alarmed because we paid for a hefty amount to have it landscaped only to see it ugly and unpleasant-looking all of a sudden. I knew right there and then that I have to go to Lowes to find a weedkiller before they take over and dominate our yard.

Little did I know that I will be faced with these tons of choices for weed killers when I reached the store. One product says "selective weed killer while the other one says "for killing crabgrass, broadleaf or poison ivy". I mean, how can I even know the names of these weeds that are squatting in my garden? And do I use the concentrated type or the spray kind?

To make the story short, there are indeed several ways to get rid of weeds and I have learned my lesson. However, I grouped them only into three kinds and I want to share them all with you so you don't get overwhelmed. Let us look each one and decide for your self which you think will be the most suited one for your needs.

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Herbicides are the commercial weed killers that are sold in most home and garden store and they come in different kinds. Generally, they work by inhibiting the growth of specific enzymes that plants need in order to grow. They are either selective or non-selective types, depending on what kind of treatment or effect is needed.

PROs

• highly-effective and the results are immediate

• can be customized to your specific needs

CONs

Best Weed Killer for Lawns

The selective weed killers are those that can kill certain kinds of weeds once applied, making them ideal for your lawns and ornamental turf as they do not harm the grass and useful plants. They only attack certain types of weeds in such as broadleaf, crabgrass; dandelions, morning glory, thistle etc. The following are some of the best brands for selective weed killers that receive favorable reviews from customers who have tried them.

Spectracide Weed Stop for Lawns,CHECK PRICE

Ortho Weed-B-Gon MAX Concentrate BottleCHECK PRICE

The Scotts Co. Weed-B-Gon Chickweed, Clover, & Oxalis KillerCHECK PRICE

Kills everything it touches

Non selective weed killers are those that can kill everything they touch, making them perfect on patios, driveways, etc. Be careful when using these as they would kill anything that they come in contact with so they are all highly effective for immediate and quick weed control on affected areas. These are definitely not the ones you used on your lawn, I made that mistake before.

Ortho Max Poison Ivy Tough Brush Killer Concentrate BottleCHECK PRICE

oundup Weed and Grass Killer Super Concentrate BottleCHECK PRICE

Roundup QuikProCHECK PRICE

Best Organic Weed Killer

If you do not like strong chemicals and prefer the organic weed killers, there are products available for you that have proven to be effective as well. The brands that made the cut are Nature's Avenger, Eco Smart and Burnout.

A citrus herbicide that is oil-based, this product can clean the area and make your weeding job much easier and even though it comes in a slightly high value, this product can do as it promises. I have tried this one myself, it works but it's not as tough as the chemical ones if you want immediate effect. I, however, feel safe using this before I know that it is not loaded with dangerous chemicals.

Use weeding tools and get some exercise.

Using tools in the garden to help get rid of unwanted weeds is one of the most basic and traditional ways. These days, there are special tools already that are well-designed to help make the job easier. You can graduate from grandpa's weeder, no need to bend or kneel anymore.

PROs

• definitely does not involve any chemicals so you are helping preserve the environment
• results are immediate, extracts weeds from its roots
• consider it as a form of exercise as you use your "muscle" to do the job

CONs

• it takes longer to finish the job
• might involve extra work

CobraHead Weeder and CultivatorCHECK PRICE

Fiskars Softouch WeederCHECK PRICE

AMES Eagle Hand WeederCHECK PRICE

Weed killers are just laying around in your pantry.

If you are against any product that uses chemicals and you do not want to spend money on any of those tools, there are still many options available for you to get rid of weeds in your lawn or garden. Here are some of them:

1) Vinegar

Vinegar is cheap yet it is highly efficient. You can use a watering can, a pump sprayer or spray botle to apply it on the weeds. Just take note that vinegar is non-selective so it will kill everything it comes in contact with. It is best to do it on sunny days (not windy) when it is safe from being blown into other plants. It is more applicable if you use it on areas such as the driveways, pathways, cracked concretes or areas that are not close to the plants or flowers.

2) Boiling WaterBaking soda

Baking soda is another regular household item that is useful for getting rid of weeds, and in this case, it is the pesky crabgrass. Just sprinkle it over the crabgrass and within hours, it will die. No need to mix it with anything, it will work perfectly as is.

4)Salt

You can spray it or sprinkle it and it will literally kill anything it touches. So just like the items mentioned above, you have to carefully choose which areas you are going to use it. It can damage the soil and make it unsuitable for future plant growth so use wisely.

Heinz White Vinegar DistilledCHECK PRICE

Arm & Hammer Baking SodaCHECK PRICE

Morton Table SaltCHECK PRICE