From manually pulling weeds out to using a homemade remedy like salt, and even burning weeds - you have so many different methods at your disposal if you’re struggling with a persistent weed problem.
Among all these, a high-quality weed killer like the one we sell here at Jennychem is the fastest and most effective for long-term results. But how does weed killer work, and is it really safe enough for use in your yard? We’re here to help you find out.
These solutions target specific physiological processes within plants, disrupting their growth and survival mechanisms. These products can be selective, targeting only certain types of weeds while sparing your lawn or garden plants, or non-selective, eliminating virtually any plant they contact.
They can also vary in terms of how they kill weeds - some kill on contact, while others work their way into the plant’s roots and kill them slowly from the inside out for more permanent removal.
There’s a lot of nuance when it comes to weed killer, which is why we want to dive deeper into how weed killer works below. Then, we’ll show you what makes our solution the #1 choice across the UK and help you put it to work so you can enjoy a beautiful, weed-free garden today!
So, how does weed killer work? We’ll break it down by different types below to help you get a better understanding of all the different options you have at your disposal.
Herbicides are classified based on their selectivity and the stage of weed growth they target. Selective herbicides are designed to target specific types of weeds without harming surrounding plants, ideal for lawns and ornamental gardens.
On the other hand, non-selective herbicides kill any plant they come into contact with, making them suitable for clearing large areas of vegetation. Think of these as a “scorched earth” approach to weed management.
Herbicides can also be categorised as pre-emergent, targeting seeds and seedlings before they grow, and post-emergent, which deal with weeds that have already sprouted.
There are a lot of options at your disposal, but we’ll help you choose the right one later.
A weed killer’s results hinge on its chemical composition. For instance, some herbicides like glyphosate inhibit the enzyme pathway needed for plant growth, essentially starving the plant to death.
Others might mimic plant hormones to cause uncontrollable growth, leading to the weed's demise. This targeted approach ensures that the herbicide disrupts only the intended biological pathways in weeds.
So what does an herbicide actually do to a weed that leads to its death? There are two different mechanisms of action. The first is a systemic herbicide, which is absorbed and moved throughout the plant, killing it entirely from the leaf to the root.
Contact herbicides, however, only kill the parts of the weed that they touch, which can be ideal for annual weeds but less effective on perennials with extensive root systems. You may find yourself reapplying these after weeds come back from the dead each season.
The herbicide you choose needs to match the specific weed problem for optimal results, which involves consideration of the weed species and the area of application.
You may have your doubts…is an herbicide really the answer to your problem? Most of the time, yes. However, there are definitely circumstances where a weed killer won’t get the job done and the only permanent solution is manual removal.
Weed killers, when selected and applied correctly, are highly effective at controlling undesirable vegetation. Achieving desired results lies in matching the right type of herbicide with the specific weed issue you are facing.
For instance, systemic herbicides may take longer to show effects but can deliver thorough eradication of weeds, including their roots.
On the other hand, contact herbicides offer quick results noticeable within hours, especially effective for young, annual weeds. Realistic expectations should consider the lifecycle and resilience of the target weeds.
To supercharge the effectiveness of an herbicide, it’s essential that you know when to spray weed killer. There is a lot to consider here, from weather to seasonality.
In general, herbicides are best applied on calm, dry days to prevent drift and ensure the chemical stays on the target area. Rain shortly after application can wash away the herbicide, reducing its effectiveness.
We recommend applying herbicides in mild temperatures between 60°F and 85°F, as extreme heat or cold can reduce efficacy and cause stress to surrounding plants.
Above all else, you should consider the growth stage the weeds are in when setting your expectations. Applying herbicides when weeds are actively growing enhances absorption and increases the effectiveness of the treatment. For perennial weeds, applying during early growth or just before dormancy can improve results.
Now that you know how weed killer works, we want to leave you with a few parting tips on how to use it effectively to regain control of your property.
Not all weed killers are created equal. You need the strongest weed killer. Look for a product with proven ingredients tailored to the specific types of weeds you are combating.
For example, glyphosate is widely recognised for its broad-spectrum efficacy but may not always be the best choice for selective weed control where lawn and ornamental plants need protection.
The last thing you want to do is waste your time and precious resources applying weed killer without following manufacturer guidelines for mixing and applying the product - this can hold you back from seeing the results you want while compromising safety as well.
Use targeted sprayers or gel applicators to apply the herbicide directly to the weeds, minimising contact with desired plants. You may not necessarily need the best commercial pressure washer in the UK, but a quality garden sprayer can make a world of difference.
Remember the advice we shared on timing earlier, too. Timing: Apply herbicides when weeds are actively growing and the weather is calm and dry to enhance the absorption of the chemical by the weed.
Weed killers are generally considered safe as long as you follow guidelines and wear the proper PPE. This includes gloves, goggles, and long sleeves to avoid direct contact with the chemicals.
Be mindful of the surroundings and avoid application near water bodies or during windy conditions to prevent drift and potential harm to non-target species.
If after a few applications, you start to realse your weed problem is only progressing, you may need to take another angle of attack.
There are many other solutions you can try, such as a DIY weed killer with household goods. Or, you can try using salt to kill weeds. You could also try rotating different herbicides to essentially “keep the weeds guessing”.
Our blog has more resources on how to kill weeds if you’re struggling to regain control of your yard, including how to use weed killer for the best possible results. But to truly set yourself up for success and put your weed problem in the past, shop at Jennychem today!
You can officially put an end to even the most persistent weed problems with Weedex Super, the premier choice for gardeners across the UK. It’s expertly formulated to tackle even the most stubborn weeds, from the pervasive Japanese Knotweed to intrusive Ivy.
Its potent formula penetrates deep into the roots, ensuring complete eradication and preventing regrowth. With more than 10,000 happy gardeners and thousands of 5-star reviews, you can rest assured you’re getting a tried-and-true solution,
The best part? It’s entirely non-toxic after it dries, so you don’t have to stress about the impact this product has on your pets, children, or the environment itself.
Beyond Weedex, you can find other essentials for putting your weed problem in the past such as a high-quality IK sprayer for accurate, effortless application or de-icing salt for a dual-pronged approach to weed suppression.
So as we wrap this guide up with a few final thoughts below, start reclaiming your outdoor spaces today with Jennychem's Weedex Super - where powerful performance meets reliability.
In closing, how does weed killer work? It all depends on the specific herbicide in question. Some work by killing the plant on contact, while others work inside the plant to kill it from root to tip. There’s also variance in terms of selective vs non-selective herbicides, influencing which plants the product targets.
Hopefully you feel more clear on how weed killer works and why it’s a must have in your gardening toolkit. From selecting the right type of herbicide to understanding its chemical mechanisms and applying it under optimal conditions, you can now feel confident harnessing the power these products have to offer!
Find more tips on managing weeds in our blog, including how long for weed killer to work, weed burner vs weed killer, and how long does weed killer stay toxic.
At this point, though, it’s time you armed yourself with the most effective weed killer on the market at Jennychem. Overcome even the most persistent weed problem with Weedex Super today and transform your outdoor spaces with ease!
