Do you really need strong weed killer?
Let's talk about weed killers. Now, I know some of you might be thinking "ugh, no thanks!" when it comes to using them, and honestly, I don't blame you.
In most cases, weed killers aren't even necessary! You can usually just grab those pesky weeds by the head and pull up their roots, and voila, problem solved!
Not only is hand weeding easy and quick, it's also free and the results are instantaneous! Unless your garden is completely overrun with weeds or has some particularly stubborn woody ones, you're better off doing it manually.
But, let's face it, not all weeds can be defeated so easily.
Perennials and woody weeds like Ivy or Brambles can regrow from even a tiny piece of root, so you need to make sure you get every last bit or you'll be back to square one. And don't even get me started on annuals like daisies! These guys will spread their seeds far and wide, so if you don't get them early enough, they'll take over your whole lawn!
That's where the strongest weed killers come in. But don't worry, we're not talking about anything too scary here! With a powerful weed killer, you can say goodbye to those pesky plants without harming the environment or other helpful critters in your garden.
So let's dive in and find out how to use these magic potions to keep your garden looking beautiful!
How do weed killers work?
Did you know that most of the effective ones work by messing with the plant's photosynthesis process? Yup, it's true! When you apply a weed killer, it gets absorbed by the plant and acts like a poison, slowly but surely killing it off.
Almost all powerful weed killers should be applied to the foliage (leaves) of the plants your trying to kill, a common misconception is to apply it to the "roots" - this is a waste, coat all the green parts in weed killer and be PATIENT!
Unlike hand weeding, weed killers take time to work, whatever manufacturers say - there are no weed killers that work right away. It takes time to see results, it may be a week, it may be 30 days: there are no instant weed killers - if you want fast results, use your hands or dig them out.
Now, before you go spraying this stuff all willy-nilly, a word of caution: you need to be careful when using garden chemicals like weed killers. If used incorrectly, they can be harmful to the environment and other critters that call your garden home.
So, always read the label and follow the instructions for safe & effective use.
But don't worry, there are plenty of eco-friendly and pet-friendly options out there that won't harm the planet or your furry friends. So, whether you're dealing with stubborn woody weeds or pesky annuals, there's a weed killer out there that will do the trick without causing any harm.
And hey, if you're still not sold on the idea of using weed killers, that's totally okay! Hand weeding is always a great option and can be a fun way to get some exercise and fresh air. Plus, you get the satisfaction of seeing those pesky plants gone for good!
There are four main types of weed killer. Systemic, contact, residual and selective:
- Systemic weed killers will kill everything, including the roots of the plant.
- Contact weed killers only kill the parts of the weed they come into contact with.
- Residual weed killers or soil acting weed killers sit in soil to prevent anything growing.
- Selective weed killers are commonly used in lawns to kill lawn weeds & not grass.
What is the strongest thing to kill weeds?
Different strokes for different folks.
Different weeds and locations require different kinds of weed killer.
Therefore there is no one strongest weed killer that works everywhere.
Instead there are numerous strong weed killers that are suitable for different jobs.
The best commercial & industrial weed killers
Glyphosate:
The worlds most popular weed killer. It is used across the world in gardens, farms & public places. We love this stuff. It's not difficult to see why, it's an effective and super strong weed killer.
Glyphosate is systemic, will kill grass and pretty much every other plant it touches. Used to kill annuals, perennials, woody perennials and tree stumps - it is effective against ALL weeds.
Glyphosate is used with 85% of GM crops grown globally.
Worldwide we consume roughly 650,000 tonnes of Glyphosate annually worth around $6.5 billion and it's use keeps on increasing in large part due to it's use with GM crops (source).
Why is Glyphosate used so much?
- Glyphosate kills weeds without harming crops. Many GM crops have been engineered to be resistant to Glyphosate meaning large areas can be treated efficiently.
- It's cheap and effective. It works on a broad range of weeds and is cheaper than most other strong weed killers.
- It's not toxic to humans. There is some debate about this, long term exposure may cause harm but it is widely approved for use. Please always read the label when using herbicides.
- It doesn't persist in the environment. You can treat an area and then a few weeks later plant in the same area with no residues affecting future growth.
Glyphosate is by far the most effective weed killer on the market in the UK. It is used to kill a wide variety of weeds on a wide variety of surfaces, it is the best all purpose weed killer we have.
Glyphosate is a systemic weed killer meaning it is absorbed through the leaves and stems and translocated throughout the whole plant, killing it from the inside out, right down to the roots.
It certainly sounds like a miracle weed killer huh?
Well there are a couple of downsides:
- The biggest complaint about Glyphosate is that "it didn't work" - in most cases the product was applied incorrectly: apply on a day with no rain and coat all the leaves.
- Glyphosate is not a quick weed killer, expect to wait to see results, depending on the conditions and type of weed it can take anywhere from 7-30 days to work.
- You cannot use Glyphosate in or near sources of water. It persists in aquatic environments and is harmful to aquatic invertebrates, do not use in or near water sources!
If you're looking for a strong, effective weed killer that kills everything then your best choice is Glyphosate, it is sold widely across the UK and most importantly - it works!
Triclopyr
Triclopyr - the tough weed wrangler of the herbicide world! It is a selective & systemic weed killer, meaning it can take down the tough weeds without harming the good guys (aka grass). So if you're looking to eliminate tough weeds in and around your lawn, Triclopyr is definitely a solid option.
Triclopyr is mainly used to tackle woody, viney, tough, deep rooted weeds such as Brambles, thistles, docks, nettles & saplings to varying degrees of effectiveness.
So if you're in the market for a powerful weed killer that won't harm your grass, Triclopyr should be top of your list - although there are better lawn weeds killers for specific lawn weeds.
- Triclopyr is an effective herbicide for controlling woody plants and broadleaf weeds
- It is relatively inexpensive and easy to use
- It is versatile and can be formulated in a variety of ways
- It can be used in combination with other herbicides for improved effectiveness
- It is less affected by environmental factors than some other herbicides.
It's formulated so that it won't kill grass and can be used safely in turfed areas. Typically mixed with water in a knapsack or sprayer but can also be used in a watering can.
Triclopyr like other industrial weed killers also has it's disadvantages:
- It persists in soil so you cannot use it to clear a large area then replant afterwards.
- It is ineffective against a range of grass based weeds so you may need another.
- It takes time to work: Like other weed killers there are no instantaneous results.
Horticultural Vinegar
Alright, let's talk about horticultural vinegar - AKA acetic acid. It has been touted as a miracle weed killer and has become pretty popular among home gardeners who want to avoid the heavy-duty industrial strength weed killers.
But here's the thing - horticultural vinegar is not some magical homemade remedy. It's actually a commercial weed killer just like the rest of them. So while you might not want to pour it on your fish and chips, it can be effective in killing certain types of weeds.
Horticultural vinegar is an acid based, contact weed killer:
- Fast acting weed killer that burns away the weeds you spray it onto.
- Contains no Glyphosate and can be used in organic settings.
- Works on a wide variety of plant life and is less effected by environmental factors.
Horticultural vinegar often comes in large 5, 10 or 20 litre tubs which are commonly diluted in a 4:1 ratio (4 parts vinegar, 1 part water). There are also differing concentrations ranging from 20% acetic acid up to 40% with the latter being more expensive.
Horticultural vinegar may well be an effective industrial weed killer for those wishing to avoid Glyphosate but it does have numerous disadvantages:
- It doesn't kill the roots, as a contact weed killer it only kills the top part of the weed, leaving the roots intact - your weeds will regrow, eventually.
- It may well be just as dangerous as Glyphosate, several studies indicate it is more toxic than Glyphosate to humans.
- It is much more expensive: As it doesn't kill the whole weed you will have to reapply more often and a 10 litre container may only make 15 litres of weed killer, compare this to other commercial weed killers which will often make hundreds of litres per 10 litre.
There you have it, horticultural vinegar is ranked 3rd in our list of strong industrial weed killers for a reason - it's not as effective as the other two & it's more expensive but if your looking for a more natural & organic weed killer then this may well be the choice for you.
Sodium Chlorate
Was a popular weed killer in the UK that was long lasting and worked very well.
Let me hit you with some sodium chlorate knowledge! Back in the day, this chemical was primarily used as a pesticide to take down pesky weeds and other unwanted plant life. But here's the catch - sodium chlorate is not exactly a friend to humans or the environment.
In fact, it's considered pretty harmful. So much so that the EU has banned the sale and use of sodium chlorate in plant protection products and pesticides. That's right, folks - it's a no-go. However, companies can still produce the stuff for transport and sale outside of the EU.
So if you're looking for a way to get rid of some weeds, you might want to skip the sodium chlorate and opt for a safer alternative. Your lungs (and the planet) will thank you!
YOU CANNOT BUY SODIUM CHLORATE IN THE UK
Strong lawn weed killers (that don't kill grass)
2,4-D (2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid)
2,4-D is commonly used to control Broadleaf weeds in lawns and turf.
It's a synthetic chemical if used incorrectly it can be toxic to humans and other animals if ingested or comes into contact with the skin.
2,4-D is a selective weed killer, it won't kill grass and is commonly applied to lawns for long lasting control of weeds in turf.
Why is 2,4-D used so much?
- It's relatively inexpensive. As a synthetic chemical it can be formulated quickly and in a variety of ways making it a popular choice for farmers and homeowners alike.
- It's selective. Unlike Glyphosate which kills all plant life, 2,4-d is selective. It is particularly useful for controlling broadleaf weeds in grass & crops like corn, wheat & soybeans.
- It can be combined. It can be used in combination with other herbicides, which allows farmers to control a wider range of weeds with a single application..
- It effective. Because it is a synthetic chemical, 2,4-D is less likely to be affected by environmental factors such as temperature and humidity, which makes it more reliable than some other herbicides.
2,4-d is most widely used by homeowners on lawns and turfed areas. It is more commonly used by farmers and professional users.
It works on most broadleaf weeds but will not kill grassy weeds.
If you're looking for a strong, effective weed killer for your lawn then #1 choice should be 2,4-d.
Dicamba
A powerful weed killer that doesn't kill grass, Dicamba has been used for decades to control many types of lawn weeds including crabgrass, dandelions, daisies, clover & more. Dicamba contains the active ingredient 3,6-dichloro-2-methoxybenzoic acid.
Dicamba works by inhibiting the growth of certain enzymes (known as acetolactate synthase) that are essential for plant growth and reproduction. By preventing these enzymes from functioning properly, dicamba can cause a wide range of symptoms, including wilting, discoloration, stunted growth, and death of the weed.
Dicamba has many great qualities that make it an effective lawn weed killer:
- Kills off currently growing weeds + also works as a preemergent herbicide preventing news weeds from taking root in your lawn.
- Works on a large range of weeds ensuring total weed control for lawns.
- Doesn't harm grass, can be used in or around your lawn without killing it off.
However, just like all lawn weed killers Dicamba does have some disadvantages:
- Your weeds may appear larger!? At least initially, your weeds may grow uncontrollably before eventually dying making you wonder if it is even working.
- It is generally safe to use but there have been numerous reports of accidental damage due to drift, this can occur when it is applied during windy conditions.
- Dicamba can remain in the soil for 7-10 months which is great to prevent new weeds, not so good if you intend to kill off a large area then replant.
When used correctly Dicamba can be an effective and helpful lawn weed killer, it wills weeds & prevents new weeds from emerging in your grass without harming it but be careful it doesn't "drift" onto ornamental plants you'd like to keep.
Fluroxypyr
Fluroxypyr is a type of weed-killing chemical that is used to control unwanted plants such as broadleaf weeds and woody brush. It works by tricking these plants into thinking they have too much of a hormone called auxin, which causes them to grow uncontrollably and eventually die.
Unlike some other weed killers, fluroxypyr is a systemic and selective weed killer, it doesn't harm grass or grassy weeds but will take down most broadleaf weeds.
- Can be used to control a wide variety of broadleaf and woody weeds in or around grass.
- Doesn't harm grass or croplands but effective against a wide range of weeds.
- Relatively inexpensive and can be mixed with other herbicides to increase effectiveness.
DIY Homemade Weed Killers
Let's talk about strong homemade weed killers, there has been a lot of chatter on social media and the internet in general about them but are they really strong? Are they an alternative to industrial & commercial weed killers? Most importantly - do they really work?
Vinegar:
The most talked about DIY weed killer is vinegar, it's great on chips and crisps but can it really kill those PESKY weeds in your garden?
Like most myths that spread like wildfire there is some truth in it, vinegar does kill weeds - only some kinds and like horticultural vinegar it only burns away the visible part of the weed, it doesn't kill the roots, so your weeds will likely regrow.
Vinegar is most effective on young, small or weakened weeds that are actively growing, you would need industrial quantities for large weeds like brambles and even then it probably still wouldn't work - as it doesn't kill the roots!
Vinegar should be applied on a warm day with no chance of rain, don't dilute it! Just spray it right from the bottle onto your weeds (like in the picture above).
Special mention goes to horticultural vinegar which has a higher concentration of acid, this is more effective than regular vinegar but it's not as strong as a powerful commercial weed killer.
Salt:
The oldest weed killer. People have been using salt to kill weeds for centuries. It's also useful for combating other garden pests. Enemy combatants would salt each others land to prevent crops from growing leading to starvation.
Pretty evil huh?
Salt is a non selective and is fairly effective against a wide range of weeds.
- Best used against weeds growing in paving cracks or gravel as it can harm your soil, preventing regrowth - do not use salt in lawns: you will ruin your lawn.
- Not very cost effective: 1 bottle of table salt will treat roughly 1m2, this is quite expensive when compared with an industrial or commercial weed killer.
- If it rains alot, the salt will be washed away before it has had a chance to become effective.
- Time consuming to apply. Shake the salt directly onto the weeds, this can take a while if you have a lot of weeds and may be impossible to do if it is windy.
Salt is about as natural as they come, it is widely available, safe and fairly effective against a broad range of weeds, it isn't a substitute for a strong weed killer but if your worried about safety or want to do things a more natural way then there is no harm in trying salt first.
Strong weed killer, that kills everything it touches.
The worlds most popular is also the worlds strongest weed killer. The winner is Glyphosate.
Why? Because it works well in almost any situation (except lawns and aquatic environments).
It kills 99% of weeds in one application. It's also safe to use as long as it's used correctly.
I need to treat a neglected half acre garden, with well established rampant bramble takeover. The problem is that due to the terraced nature and various stone walls much of this is not diggable. I need the most effective and quickest systemic eradicator. Not easy, but have read that a COMBINATON of Triclopor and min 360g/lt Glysophate will definitely do the trick. Is this so? obviously this has to be tackled year on year, but need quick initial clear-out. This is in Devon, so brambles grow most of the year due to the mild, wet climate in Winter.
I don’t envy you, SBK brushwood should work well
I want to kill everything, that means brambles weeds exct , what do I buy,and where , thank you
Glyphosate based weed killers should do the job
what have you got to kill off mares tail?
Try Kurtail
Hello. I really need advice on how to get rid of unwanted grass, shrubs etc. I have a useless piece of area that there’s nothing I can do with but I’m liable for keeping it trim..a job that I cannot do…so I would like advice on strong killer to eliminate them.
Glyphosate is good and will kill pretty much all plant life
My rock beds have tones of weeds, I’ve used total vegitation killer and still have weeds popping up everywhere, in so ca
Yes, the weeds will always grow back, if you have bare soil, weeds will blow in from your neighbours, grow, and lay more seeds, it’s a never ending battle
Except it is believed to be carcinogenic
Indeed but so are many other things, vinegar, bleach, salt, red meat – lots of things are carcinogenic, always read the label for safe use
Where can you purchase this
https://goodgrow.uk/buy/
Great information, Thank you.
I have horsetail weed I’ve used300 pounds of rosette and it’s still growing widely,can you help please.
Try Kurtail, it’s specifically made for the problem
I have approx 16-17 square metre of fencing covered in ivy. would you kindly recommend one of the glyphosate weedkillers.
I have read all reports on them and all of them reckon they are the best but customers seem to have had bad results on some of them,thank you.
Any one should work, you will probably need to apply multiple times
What will I use to kill off Japanese anemones and still be able to use the area next spring ?
Anything Glyphosate based will work
What is the best weed killer to kill off horse mate tail
There is a product called Kurtail
I found an old plastic bucket of Sodium Chlorate in a friend’s garden shed. I remember using the stuff long ago quite safely from a watering can with a rose sprinkler. I believe the mixture to have been 2 dessert spoons to 10 lt. Please could you verify?
Kind regards,
McGillycuddy.
Sadly it was before my time so I can’t help
My patio has about 600 paving slabs and it an on going hard work to get rid of weeds, because of a little pet dog I use burning flame it become expensive buying gas cannisters.
My questions; As per your tip using salt.
Salt, is that normal table salt?
How much salt, and washing soap per one litre of water.
How long before my pet dog need to wait before going on the patio?
For salt and washing soap your dog will be fine. Use as much salt as you can. Normal table salt will work fine
Sodium chlorate was used by the IRA for bombmaking and was banned. (They shifted to Semtex anyway.)
It likely does not leave a dangerous residue. Potassium chlorate would be a serious fire and explosion hazard but sodium chlorate is deliquescent and absorbs water from the atmosphere preventing this risk.
as kids we made cherry bombs for fire works with 50/50 sodium chlorate & sugar – in ping pong balls , them were the days …..
I have a 15-gallon spray tank that I use to put down weed killer (ground clear). can you tell me what the ratios would be using vinegar, salt, and dishwashing liquid? Do you need any water?
Use as much vinegar as possible, a squeeze of dish soap and a lot of salt. Table salt is cheap and depending on the vinegar + type of weeds a 50/50 dilution usually works
Undiluted i best 3 parts vinegar to one salt
Hi , I have used 20% vinegar successfully before, and have more coming from on line purchasing ( UK ) . However, the sprayer has now ” melted ” due to the acid content. Do you know of any acid resistant sprayers ?
Would appreciate your advice
Thanks , Mike
Sadly the acid will melt some types of plastic, you could try a lower strength or cheap watering can
Sadly, due to the acidic nature it is always likely to “melt” the seals
We haven’t found anything that works, homemade or store bought. An employee of our electricity company gave us a small sample of the formula they use to keep the power lines free of trees and brush, trying it this weekend, hope it works.
I have tried all of this, the only thing that I have found that works is acid that is used to strip paint, like Klean-Strip.
Excellent reviews. What proportion of salt boiling water Vinegar and washing up liquid do you suggest?
Many thanks
At least 50% vinegar, as much salt as you can mix, smaller weeds will die quicker
As much of each as possible if your looking to kill everything
How much salt to vinegar to water and the other one that starts with the G I’m a first time home owner with a bad back and have lots of rocks and the former owner told me if I don’t get the weeds out of the rocks the HOA WILL FINE PER WEED so I need to know what kills dandelion weeds to the root.
Salt and Vinegar
Because they’re so dangerous to other plants, it’s best to use salt and vinegar in places like walkways where weeds grow between bricks or pavers — basically, anywhere not adjacent to or within a prime growing area.
A concentrated pour is generally a good way to go, or you can use a spray bottle with a focused stream rather than a diffused wide spray so the weed killer goes where you want it and nowhere else.
If you’re using it on, say, a rock wall with a moss problem or a meandering walkway with grass sprouting up, then it might do the trick for you. Still, many experts aren’t a fan of this natural weed-killing solution, so expect your mileage to vary.
Using Salt to Kill Weeds
Water-diluted salt will do a good job on its own with weeds if you don’t have vinegar around. Start with a ratio of 3 parts water to 1 part salt — table salt will do — mixing until combined. Apply this carefully to the weed-prone area.
The trouble is that sodium is a mineral, and the sodium ion won’t vanish, so it can be a problem for anything you plant there down the line, hence why you want to be careful using salt.
For areas in which you’ll plant again, simply mix a liter of vinegar with a teaspoon of liquid dish detergent. Spray as needed on weeded areas, as there’s no fear of it leaving a toxic residue above or below ground. Just don’t expect it to be as effective as you hope because household vinegar just doesn’t cut it.
Salt, Vinegar and Soap Mixture
The University of Maryland Extension’s studies on vinegar being an effective weed killer were done with a 20-percent-acidity vinegar, which can be dangerous since it’s toxic and can burn skin let alone plants. Stick to the usual 5 percent acidity in household vinegar. The same goes for salt — normal, cheap table salt is all you need. The brand doesn’t matter for liquid dish soap either, as you only need a few drops.
To 1 gallon of white, 5-percent-acidity vinegar, add 2 cups of salt and 1 teaspoon of soap. Stir or shake until all the salt dissolves. Apply it to your weeded area with care. It may take several applications to get down into the root and kill the plant entirely.
Others recommend a weaker solution of 1 gallon of vinegar, 1 cup of salt and 1 tablespoon of dish detergent. Combine them and use them in the same fashion. Either concoction will keep indefinitely once mixed.
Try to mix as much of each, usually 3 parts vinegar 1 part salt
Very useful info so thank you but will any work on bamboo
Yes, they all should
Tried pulling them cutting digging spraying the salt vinegar soap and store bought crap a few more times then I should. I need the big guns what kills weeds? I have Clover , dollar weed, sedge, and I call baby dollar weed. Its small leaf 1/4 the size and grows like a mat rather then a stem up. Need to level the yard and start again since heavy equipment tore up the yards
Try Glyphosate based weed killers, they are the most popular for a reason 😉
If I use a Glyphosate weed killer, how long would it be that i could plant veg etc and would it be harmfull to chickens
Keep the chickens away till it’s dry, I wouldn’t let them eat it either, so maybe fence it off or net it over till it’s all dead… Planting veg can be done once the weeds are dead
You used to sell a weed kill dispenser. Unfortunately the little red “plug” got blasted out of mine and it no longer works. Is there any chance I could buy a new dispenser. (It’s the easiest I’ve ever used)
Here’s hoping
Sorry we don’t sell it anymore, try a spear and jackson sprayer, they are very good
The back entry to our house is overgrown with all sorts of weeds, but we also have lots of dogs and cats, so I NEED a animal safe weed killer, please can you help! Thank you Loretta Bossons
Hi Loretta, try these DIY weed killers you can make at home : https://goodgrow.uk/6-super-effective-homemade-weed-killers/
I need advice on how to permanently get rid of bindweed. It plagues my border every year. I have tried digging it out but any small amount left comes back 10 fold! Annoyingly it is in with a lot of perennial stock I have built up over the years. What is the best solution?
You can apply a systemic weed killer selectively with a paint brush or other accurate application device, a sprayer or watering can will likely result in drift to perennials you would I assume like to keep… Most strong weed killers only kill plants that absorb it through the leaves (foliage), they don’t soak into the ground and kill everything
I bought the SBK ‘tough’Weedkiller, its useless. Don’t buy this product.
Give it time, it disrupts the hormones in plants, it doesn’t work instantly
Hi
I am inundated with mares tail. The roots are deep and long and it survives all weed killers I have tried.
Any solution please?
Does this product work on moss? Scrubbed my very large tarmac drive, every garden wall and between patio flags with a wire brush last year and can’t beat the thought of having to go through that again!!! Thanks!
Yes but bleach is just as effective against moss
How do I know that dogs or cats or even hedgehogs won’t be poisoned ?
Don’t spray it on them and keep them out the area until it has dried
Does this eradicate horsetail
Yes but it will take multiple applications over several seasons depending on how long it has been established
Does this kill bamboo shoots
Yes
I have a ground cover weed I can’t get rid of have tried everything an glyphosate vinegar salt ground clear kills all roundup and another guy used stuff to guarantee it still no results please help don’t know ur costs. An the stuff I used I mixed it strong
Got any pictures? Send them to [email protected]
I have Horsetail and need some crossbow do you sell that?
Sadly not
Is this the best for clearing a tarmac tennis court from moss
No, it’s best to use a dedicated moss killer
IF I PAINT WEED KILLER ON THE STEMS OF AN INVASIVE BULLRUSH, WILL IT GO INTO MY POND THROUGH THE ROOTS AND KILL MY FISH. SCARED TO PULL IT OUT AS IT MEANT WRECK MY LINER !!
Do not use weed killer near water, most of them persist in water and are harmful to aquatic life
A lot of sad people on here wanting to kill, kill, kill, plants that they dont like to look of. All pesticides should be banned. Introducing toxic chemicals into the environment is a Pandoras box, once the genie gets out you cant put it back. Glyphosate…yes all those convenient ‘truths’ that you have been told about it originate from the manufacturer ‘Monsanto’. A huge disreputable company effectively controlled by one man. Glyphosate has now turned up in water supplies and at least one person in USA succesfully sued Monsanto for causing cancer in his body. Weeding is to some extent an arrogant human desire to see everything neat and tidy and it will come back to bite you. Guess who markets those GM crop seeds that are not affected by Glyphosate. How do you now get rid of those rampant ‘weed’ varieties that are now resistant?
I havnt used weed killer for decades, my garden has brambles, nettles, bindweed all under a certain control but left to feed bees etc from their flowers.
Some weeds are invasive and need to be eliminated but I agree. However not everyone does, one mans weeds is another mans bramble jam… Or another mans thorn infested dog / child… or as you say a bumble bees dinner!
Weed killers have there uses for sure, maybe not so much for mass spraying on crops, as always, read the label for safe use.
I believed the same as you until our dog got stuck inside our brambles after retrieving a ball. The pain she suffered, the scars that are still there and the vets bill changed my mind, what if it was a child? We did our best at cutting them back but they just kept coming.
We used some weed killer and now they are gone, I do miss the bees that hovered but we planted some other bushes in their stead and slowly but surely the bees are back.
Sometimes strong weed killers are useful, I still err on the side of caution but I’m glad the brambles are gone
How soon can you sow grass seed after using weed killer
Wait 2 weeks or once the weeds are dead
I have an area of about 20 ft x 15 it is covered in pebbles with a black sheeting under them, it was all neat and lovely when I bought the house, within a couple of months it was covered everywhere in weeds and grass. I’ve spent a fortune on weed killer but to no avail. I just don’t know what to do with it I’m a lady of 68 years, I haven’t the money to have it tarmac or anything so please could you advise me I would be so grateful
Sadly, you cannot stop nature, weeds will come in from neighbours etc. The best you can do is keep the area clean and free from debris and use a weed killer.
Do you have any chemical that kills grass as I’m after 5 gallon
Most strong weed killers will effectively kill grass / lawns
How do you get away with not showing the active ingredients on you advertisements ?
The active ingredient is Glyphosate