10 Best Herbicides 2025 in the United States

Roundup Weed & Grass Killer₄ Concentrate is a versatile herbicide that effectively targets a broad spectrum of weeds including dandelion, crabgrass, poison ivy, and clover. Its strong mode of action allows it to penetrate to the roots, ensuring that the weeds are thoroughly killed. The product is rainproof within 30 minutes, which means you don’t have to worry about its effectiveness being washed away by sudden rain.

Visible results can be seen within hours, making it a fast-acting solution for your yard needs. With a residual activity that allows planting 1 to 30 days after application, it offers flexibility for continued yard maintenance and planting. Suitable for use around flower beds, trees, fences, driveways, walkways, and even for lawn replacement or garden plot preparation, this product is quite versatile.

It covers up to 300 square feet per gallon when mixed according to directions, making it an efficient option for larger areas. However, it is important to use it carefully to avoid damaging desired plants and to follow the booklet instructions precisely for optimal results. While it has a strong environmental impact due to the active ingredients like Triclopyr and Diquat Dibromide, caution is necessary to minimize any adverse effects.

The Ortho GroundClear Weed and Grass Killer is a versatile herbicide that targets a wide range of weeds including dandelions, chickweed, and crabgrass. It uses ammonium nonanoate as its active ingredient, which provides fast-acting results within 15 minutes and becomes rainproof after 2 hours of drying. This is particularly useful for maintaining patios, driveways, and landscape beds, though it is not suitable for use on lawns or other desired grasses.

One notable feature is the Comfort Wand applicator, which helps with precise application, reducing the chances of affecting nearby plants you want to keep. The product covers up to 5,120 square feet with its 1-gallon container, making it quite efficient for larger areas. However, it’s important to note that this herbicide is non-selective, meaning it will kill any plant it comes into contact with, so careful application is necessary.

Additionally, while it’s OMRI listed, indicating it's safe for organic gardening, users concerned with environmental impact should be mindful of its potential effects. The key drawbacks include its non-selective nature and the need for careful application to avoid damaging desirable plants. This product is best suited for individuals looking to tackle tough weeds and grasses in non-lawn areas quickly and effectively.

Ortho GroundClear Year Long Vegetation Killer1 Concentrate is a potent herbicide designed to tackle a wide range of weeds and grasses, making it a versatile option for those looking to maintain weed-free areas. Its standout feature is its long-lasting residual activity, effectively preventing regrowth for up to a year, which is beneficial for users seeking a low-maintenance solution. The fast-acting formula begins working immediately, killing weeds down to the root, ensuring comprehensive removal when used correctly.

This makes it particularly effective for use in areas with persistent weed problems like driveways, sidewalks, and gravel areas. Application is straightforward with a tank hose sprayer, mixing 24 fl. oz. of concentrate per gallon of water to cover up to 1,600 sq. ft., making it suitable for medium to large areas. However, potential users should consider its environmental impact, as such powerful herbicides can affect surrounding non-target plants and soil health.

The main active ingredient, Imazapyr, is known for its long-term soil activity, which might not be ideal for those looking to plant in treated areas soon after. Additionally, while it ranks well in its category, the product dimensions and weight suggest it is relatively easy to handle, but the coverage might require multiple treatments for larger properties. The Ortho GroundClear is best suited for users who need a robust, long-term weed control solution in non-cultivated areas, but should be used with caution regarding environmental and soil considerations.