How to Kill Weeds Safely

A weed is any plant that grows where it is not wanted.

Herbicides that are certified by the U.S. Department of Agriculture are not supposed to be harmful to humans, because a human's body structure is different from a weed's. Most herbicides are designed to interrupt the natural workings of a weed, which kills the weed. In order to safely control weeds in your landscape, select an herbicide that is not harmful to humans and wear all appropriate safety gear when applying the herbicide.

Things You'll Need

• Breathing protection
• Goggles
• Long-sleeved shirt
• Long pants
• Close-toed shoes
• Gloves
• Drop cloth
• Systemic herbicide
• Spray bottle

Instructions

1. Put on protective clothing before applying weed killer. This includes breathing protection and safety goggles to avoid breathing weed killer or getting it in your eyes. Wear clothing that covers all of your skin so that you do not accidentally absorb weed killer on contact.

2. Place a drop cloth around the weed to avoid killing nearby desirable plants.

3. Pour the weed killer into a spray bottle. The spray bottle will help you to apply the weed killer easily. Using a narrow-spectrum weed killer formulated for specific types of weeds will also help you to avoid killing desirable plants.

4. Spray the weed until it is saturated with the weed killer.

5. Shower immediately after spraying weed killer to remove any residual spray from your body.

6. Observe the weed for signs that it has died. The weed should turn brown with brittle leaves. Pull the weed up while wearing gloves and dispose of it. If the weed does not die, apply a second spray of weed killer.

References

• Ohio State University Extension: Controlling Weeds in Nursery and Landscape Plantings
• NC State University Extension: Greenhouse Weed Control
• NC State University Extension: Weed Control in Vegetable Gardens

Resources

• University of Minnesota Extension: Weed Control in Lawns and Other Turf