How to Choose a Herbicide

When choosing a herbicide for your lawn or garden, there are several things to consider. For starters, it's important to decide where you're applying it and what you're using it for. There are several varieties on the market, but some are better than others depending on where and how you're using them. Using a herbicide incorrectly can do long term or even permanent damage to cherished flowers and plants.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Choose a total non-selective liquid herbicide when treating sidewalks, driveways and patios. Spray early in spring before most weeds have a chance to grow to keep things clear for 2 months or more.

2. Apply a granular herbicide to kill weeds between bushes and trees. The correct dose is critical as you want it strong enough to kill the weeds but not so strong it kills the bushes.

3. Kill weeds in your garden by using a non-selective contact herbicide. Generally sold in a concentrated liquid form, when diluted properly with water it is very effective when spot sprayed directly on the weeds.

4. Spot spray weeds in your lawn during spring and summer using a small hand sprayer with a suitable herbicide. Many herbicides sold for lawns are in granular form and mixed with fertilizers. A straight liquid herbicide without the added hormones is best for treating isolated weeds.

5. Use a herbicide known as a brushwood killer to tackle problems around tree stumps. A chemical known as glyphosate is very effective when used in a high dose in these woody areas.

Tips & Warnings

• Be careful when spraying herbicides in the vicinity of your ornamental trees and flowers as the slightest bit of chemicals can harm your precious plants.
• Most herbicides shouldn't be applied if rain is expected within 48 hours, especially those in granular form. The rain will dilute their effectiveness or even wash them away before they have a chance to do their job.
• Always thoroughly clean your sprayer when finished so that no residual chemicals remain that could effect your next use.
• Never spray herbicides on a windy day as the chemicals will be easily carried to places you don't want it spread.