Update Location
Enter a ZIP code to get product recommendations and information tailored to your area.
Ortho Weed Killers
64 Results
Backyard Builder
Create a custom backyard solution with our interactive tool
What Are Weed Killers?
Weed killers are herbicides formulated to eliminate unwanted vegetation. Selective herbicides target specific weed typesābroadleaf weeds or grassy weedsāwithout harming desirable turf or ornamental plants. Non-selective herbicides kill all vegetation they contact and are used where no plant growth is wanted, such as driveways, patios, sidewalks, or in gardens and landscapes with caution taken to prevent spray or drift onto desired ornamentals. Both types come as post-emergent formulas to eliminate existing weeds; selective options also include pre-emergent herbicides to prevent new weeds from germinating. They're available in ready-to-use sprays, concentrates, and granular formulas.
Weed Killer vs. Manual Removal
Manual pulling is time-consuming, physically demanding, and often leaves roots behind, allowing weeds to return. Weed killer products are formulated to kill weeds down to the root with minimal effort and work on areas like driveway cracks where hand-pulling is impractical. Pre-emergent options prevent weed seeds from germinating, making chemical control a more practical choice for large yards and diverse landscape areas.
Key Benefits of Using Weed Killers
- Fast Results: With most products, youāll see visible weed decline in hours, not days or weeks, getting your spaces back under control quickly.
- Convenience & Safety: No digging, bending, or hand-pullingājust spray and let the formula do the work while keeping kids and pets safe when used as directed.
- Complete Coverage: Ortho's weed killer product line spans lawns, gardens, flower beds, driveways, and patios, so there is a product designed for every area of your yard.
- Long-Term Prevention: Year-long formulas kill existing weeds and prevent new weeds from returning, reducing the total weeds you'll fight all season.
How Weed Killers Work
Weed killers formulated with post-emergent herbicides are absorbed through leaves and travel to the roots, killing the entire weed from top to bottom. Pre-emergent products create a soil barrier that prevents weed seeds from germinating.
Finding the Right Weed Killer for Your Project
| Product Type | Best For | Apply Every |
|---|---|---|
|
Selective Weed Killers for Lawns |
Lawns with established grass; kills broadleaf and grassy weeds without harming turf |
As needed following label directions |
|
Non-Selective Weed Killers |
Driveways, patios, walkways, garden and landscape beds (protecting desirable plants from spray or drift) |
As needed for new growth |
|
Specialty Formulas |
Specific weed problems in lawns and/or gardens |
Per label instructions |
|
Year-Long Vegetation Killers |
Hardscapes, driveways, patios, walkways; kills all vegetation and prevents new weeds for up to 1 year |
Once, lasts up to 12 months |
|
Garden/Landscape Grass Killers |
Flower beds and garden areas; kills grass without harming ornamental plants |
As needed |
|
Poison Ivy & Tough Brush Killer |
Killing poison ivy, poison oak, brambles, and other tough weeds in landscapes |
As needed |
|
Natural Weed Killers |
Garden & flower beds, sidewalks, patios, landscape areas, driveways |
As needed for new growth |
How to Get the Best Results with Weed Killers
Identifying Weeds in Your Lawn, Garden & Hardscape
Identify your weeds before you spray. Common lawn weeds include dandelions (deep tap roots), clover, crabgrass, and other broadleaf weeds like oxalis. In gardens, unwanted grass and broadleaf weeds compete with plants. On hardscapes, weeds grow in cracks where soil collects. Correctly identifying your weed type and where your weed problems are helps you pick the right Ortho formula.
Choosing the Right Ortho Weed Killer for Every Area
- Lawns: Use selective herbicides like Weed B-Gon and WeedClear to kill weeds without harming your turf.
- Hardscapes (Patios, Driveways, Sidewalks): Choose year-long vegetation control products to eliminate existing weeds and prevent new growth for up to 12 months.
- Landscape/Garden Beds: Apply non-selective weed killers like GroundClear Super, GroundClear Weed & Grass Killer, or GroundClear Simple Weed Killer, taking care to protect desirable plants from spray or drift. Always read the product label before applying.
How and When to Apply Weed Control (Lawns, Gardens, Hardscapes)
- Lawns: Apply a weed killer for lawns when weeds are actively growing, spring through early fall, in dry conditions when rain isnāt in the forecast for at least 24 hours. Avoid mowing for 24-48 hours before and after application.
- Gardens: Spot-treat carefully with non-selective weed killers to avoid drift onto plants. Weeds are easiest to control when they are young and actively growing
- Hardscapes: Apply non-selective weed control products to dry surfaces. For year-long control products, treat all cracks and crevices regardless of whether or not there are weeds present.
Tips for Long-Term Weed Prevention Across Your Yard
- Timing: Apply pre-emergent herbicides in early spring (50-55Ā°F soil temperature) to prevent summer weeds like crabgrass, or in fall for winter weeds.
- Layered Approach: Combine pre-emergent prevention with post-emergent spot treatments for maximum control.
- Maintenance: After killing weeds, add mulch to gardens and keep lawns thick to prevent new weed seed germination.
- Early Action: Tackle weeds when small for faster, easier control.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best weed killer for my lawn vs. garden vs. driveway?
For lawns, use selective herbicides like Ortho Weed B-gon or WeedClear that kill weeds but protect grass. For gardens, spot-treat with a non-selective formula, being careful not to hit ornamental plants. For driveways and patios, use a non-selective/pre-emergent combination product that kills all vegetation and prevents new weed growth.
How do I kill weeds in cracks in my driveway or sidewalk?
For lasting control, use a non-selective weed killer plus pre-emergent product like GroundClear Year Long Vegetation Killer to prevent regrowth for up to a year. Spray directly into cracks on a dry day.
What weed killer is safe to use around flowers and garden plants?
For gardens, use Ortho Grass B-gon to kill weedy grasses without harming listed ornamental plants. When used as directed, OMRI-Listed Ortho GroundClear Weed & Grass Killer is safe to use around flowers and garden plants; desired ornamentals should be protected from spray or direct to prevent unwanted damage.
What is the difference between a pre-emergent and post-emergent weed killer?
Pre-emergent herbicides prevent weed seeds from sprouting by creating a soil barrier before germinationāapply in spring to prevent summer weeds like crabgrass or in fall for winter weeds. Post-emergent killers eliminate existing, visible weeds by absorbing through leaves and traveling to roots. Combine both types for year-round control.
How long after applying weed killer can pets or kids go outside?
Keep pets and children off treated areas until completely dry, typically 2-4 hours. Always follow product instructions.
Can I use the same weed killer on my lawn and in my garden?
No, selective lawn herbicides like Weed B-gon are not formulated for use in gardens and can harm desirable ornamental plants. Use lawn-specific selective formulas only on grass. In gardens, use products labeled for use around ornamentals like Ortho Grass B-gon, or carefully spot-treat with non-selective formulas. Always check the label for approved use areas.
How do I prevent weeds from coming back in my landscape?
Apply pre-emergent herbicide in spring to stop germination, especially for crabgrass. Follow with post-emergent spot treatments as needed. Add mulch to garden and landscape beds, keep lawns thick with regular feedings, and use Ortho GroundClear Year Long Vegetation Killer on hardscapes for extended prevention. Early action stops weed infestations before they spread.
Important Links & Further Reading
- Guide to 7 Common Lawn Weeds
- How to Kill Grassy Weeds
- How to Tackle Common Lawn Weeds
- Gardening Gone Wild: Weed Control