How to Kill Weeds on Fences

Seed heads from weeds often collect and grow along fences.

Weeds can be more of a problem along a fence than in other areas of the yard. Seed heads, for instance, can drift from one part of your landscape or even your neighbor's and land along your fence, where they germinate and grow since your mower can't get to them. Birds that eat seeds and perch on fences also drop seeds along fence rows. There are several methods for killing weeds along and on fences that work effectively, especially with persistence to prevent them from ever growing back.

Things You'll Need

• Herbicide
• Pruning clippers or shears
• Mower
• Mulch

Instructions

1. Apply a nonselective herbicide -- such as glyphosate -- along the fence to kill all the weeds and other vegetation growing there. Spray the herbicide directly on the foliage of the weeds and plants you want to kill and it will work its way to the roots to kill them. Reapply as necessary, per label directions. Be aware that you'll kill every bit of greenery a nonselective herbicide touches.

2. Identify exactly what kind of weeds you have and apply a selective herbicide -- such as 2,4-D or dicamba -- that is formulated to kill those particular weeds only. Spray right on the foliage. Reapplication will be necessary as indicated on the label.

3. Kill weeds manually. Pull them up -- preferably before they flower -- or cut or mow the weeds down repeatedly to prevent them from seeding and to eventually starve them to death. Also, apply 5 or 6 inches of mulch, such as wood chips, along the fence line to suppress growth of some weeds that need sunlight to germinate.

Tips & Warnings

• Apply herbicides exactly as indicated on the product label. Directions vary among products.

References

• Colorado State University; Weed Control in the Home Landscape; Michael Roll

Resources

• The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation; Brush Control Options in Fence Lines; David Annis
• University of Wisconsin-Madison; Weed Identification Tool; March 1, 2008