The 6 Best Natural Weed Killers

I got tired of using the harsh chemical stuff on my weeds. With a dog and kids running around the yard, I started looking for a non toxic weed killer that actually worked. It took some trial and error, but I’ve found a few that I really rely on now.

Honestly, most natural weed killers work by drying out the plant. They aren’t systemic, meaning they don’t always kill the deepest roots on the first try. So you might have to reapply, especially after a rain.

But for me, that’s a fair trade. I’d rather spray a stubborn thistle twice with something safe than once with a chemical I can’t even pronounce. It’s all about finding the right product for the right spot, whether it’s the cracks in the driveway or the weeds popping up in the vegetable garden.

 

 

My Go-To Natural Weed Killers

Green Gobbler 20% Vinegar Weed Killer

This stuff costs about $30 and it’s a workhorse. It’s my main choice for clearing weeds out of my mulch beds and the cracks in our sidewalk. You can see dandelions and crabgrass start to wilt in just a few hours.

It’s a super strong vinegar, so it gets the job done without mixing. I just pour it in my sprayer and go. It’s effective on pretty much any common weed I’ve had to deal with.

The Downside: The vinegar smell is powerful and hangs around for a day or so. I’ve also read that using it too much on concrete can cause some wear over time, so I’m just careful not to completely soak my walkway with it.

 

 

Earth’s Ally Weed & Grass Killer

You can get Earth’s Ally for around $25. This is the one I use when weeds pop up near my vegetable garden or in the flower bed the dog loves to sniff around in. The peace of mind is huge.

It’s made from things like sea salt and soap, so I feel good using it. It kills weeds right down to the root pretty quickly, usually within about three hours. It’s handled every dandelion and patch of clover I’ve sprayed it on.

The Downside: This stuff is non-selective, which means it will kill any plant it touches. You have to be really careful with your aim so you don’t accidentally spray your prized petunias.

 

 

Spruce Weed & Grass Killer

Spruce is a bargain at just $13. I keep a bottle of this handy for quick jobs on the patio and the walkway out front. It works incredibly fast—I saw weeds shriveling up in about an hour.

It uses essential oils to basically dehydrate the weeds. By the next day, they’re completely brown. I don’t have to worry if the kids are playing nearby after it dries, which is great.

The Downside: Do not use this on your lawn. It will kill your grass just as fast as it kills the weeds. It’s strictly for hardscapes and areas you want completely bare.

 

 

More Weed Control Options I’ve Used

Sunday Weed Warrior Herbicide

Sunday Weed Warrior costs about $25. This is my pick for spot-treating weeds that pop up in the actual lawn. It seems to work faster than the vinegar-based sprays I’ve tried, especially on stubborn grassy weeds.

The active ingredient is a special soap that really seems to penetrate and kill weeds quickly, often in under two hours. I’ve had good luck using it on patches of clover that try to take over parts of my yard.

The Downside: It’s another non-selective killer. If you overspray, you’ll get brown spots in your lawn, so a steady hand is a must. I use a piece of cardboard as a shield if the weed is close to my good grass.

 

 

Bonide Captain Jack’s Deadweed Brew

This weed killer from Bonide is around $20. I bought the concentrate for clearing out a large, weedy patch along my back fence and our gravel parking area. A huge plus is that it doesn’t have a strong, lingering smell.

It uses an acid derived from coconut oil, and it works pretty fast. Most of the weeds were dead within about four hours. Since it comes as a concentrate, one bottle covers a pretty big area which is great for big jobs.

The Downside: You have to mix it yourself, which is an extra step. And for some of the really tough weeds with deep roots, I found I had to come back and do a second application a few weeks later.

 

 

Calyptus 50% Pure Concentrated Vinegar

For about $25, this Calyptus concentrate is the best value if you have a lot of ground to cover. I use this for big jobs like clearing out my mulch beds at the beginning of the season. One bottle makes a ton of weed killer.

It’s just clean, powerful vinegar. It fries small weeds in a couple of hours. I’ve also used a diluted version for cleaning projects around the house, so it’s nice and versatile.

The Downside: This is an extremely concentrated vinegar, and the smell is intense. You absolutely have to dilute it correctly, and you’ll need your own garden sprayer to apply it.

 

 

What To Look For in a Natural Weed Killer

For me, the biggest thing is accepting that natural weed control isn’t a one-and-done deal like some chemicals. I often have to re-treat stubborn areas, especially my gravel driveway where weeds just love to grow. But it’s worth it to keep my yard safe.

Pay attention to the main ingredient. Some are vinegar (acetic acid), some are salts, and others are soaps or oils. They all work a little differently. Also, check if a product is selective (only kills certain plants) or non-selective (kills everything). Most natural options are non-selective, so you just have to be careful where you spray.

Ultimately, it comes down to matching the product to the problem. I use different killers for the lawn, the patio cracks, and the garden beds. Having a few options on hand has made it way easier to keep the weeds down without reaching for the heavy-duty chemicals.