How to Use Weed Killer in 3 Simple Steps

Last Updated on January 5, 2023

Using a weed killer is a great way to control weeds in your gardens and lawns. However, weeds can detract from the growth of desirable plants by stealing their water, and nutrients and crowding their root system. With this in mind, you’d want to get rid of weeds in your garden as soon as you see them develop. It is even better to remove them before they have a chance to grow with a pre-emergent herbicide.

Do you want to use a weed killer but are not sure how to do it? Do you like to learn more about weed killers before you decide to use them? This article will teach you how to use a weed killer in a way that gives you optimal results every time. You can also find here some helpful tips and answers to some common questions surrounding weed killers.

Before You Begin

Before you can start using a weed killer, there are things you need to consider first. First, it’s important you know which type of weed killer you are going to use. Then, either get weed killers commercially, or you can make your own. It is also essential you know when is the best time to use it.

When Should You Apply Weed Killer?

Pre-emergent herbicides and post-emergent herbicides are best used under specific weather conditions and at a particular time of year.

The best time to apply a weed killer is:

• In the early spring or late fall season, before the weeds start to develop roots or begin actively growing, as a way to kill them off over the colder winter months.
• On a warm, slightly humid day but not on an extra hot day. Extreme weather or too much heat could cause the weed killer to burn up or evaporate too quickly.
• Once a year should suffice with a pre-emergent weed killer. One application should be enough to last a full year in some cases. However, a biannual application can be pretty beneficial for some lawns and gardens. This makes these types of weedkillers very popular and easy to use.
• When it is not expected to rain for at least a day or two, three is best.

Safety First

Weed killers with herbicides are great if you want to kill weeds, but they should always be handled with care. They can irritate your skin, eyes, and lungs when direct contact is made. So, always wear protective gear when handling weed killers. This includes a long-sleeved shirt, pants, a face covering, gloves, and protective goggles or eyewear.

Additionally, to take further precautions, you should always read the label before using any weed killer. This will inform you of specific safety precautions and the proper directions for use, which vary slightly from one type of weedkiller to the next.

Applying Weed Killer Like a Pro: Basic Instructions and Pro Tips

Step 1: Prepare Solution According to Label

The first step to using any weedkiller is to read the label thoroughly. The label will tell you the correct water ratio to weedkiller with liquid products or specific application amounts for granular herbicide.

Once you have the right recipe, mix the solution slowly. Take care to add water slowly and avoid accidental splashes or spills. We recommend adding the water in smaller portions. This helps to mix the solution more thoroughly and prevents possible overflow.

Step 2: Spread or Spray Desired Weeds and Ground Areas

Once your herbicide treatment is ready, spray it directly onto your lawn or garden in the desired area you wish to achieve weed control. Concentrate on spraying areas that you know tend to develop weeds and spray with a distance of approximately half a metre to get broad coverage without oversaturating the soil or surrounding areas.

Avoid spraying desirable plants because the chemicals in herbicides, like glyphosate found in Roundup, will kill any plants they touch. They can also restrict plant growth by killing and damaging the root system.

Step 3: Clean and Store Safely

When you are done spraying, the last step is to clean your equipment and store it properly. We recommend keeping weed killers in a cool dark place away from pets and kids to avoid accidental contact with the herbicide chemicals.

In addition, it is essential to clean the sprayer nozzle or dispenser tube after every use. This is to prevent damage to the equipment or possibly to the next thing you spray.

Weed Killer FAQs

As you can see, it is pretty easy to use a weed killer. Let’s look at some of the frequently asked questions about weed killers to make sure you are using them properly.

How Long Does It Take for a Weed Killer to Work?

Check out this 1-hour time lapse of Mirimichi Green #Weed & #Grass Killer doing work! pic.twitter.com/O9rSHJhR7U

— Mirimichi Green (@mirimichigreen) June 5, 2018

You can expect to start seeing positive results in treated areas within five to seven days with most weed killers. At this point, you will notice plants that are actively growing start to shrivel up and die.

After two to four weeks, your weed killer should reach its full potential. But, of course, this is just an estimate. Your specific weed killer may take slightly longer or slightly less time.

If you don’t achieve the results you were hoping for, you may want to try a different type of weed killer. Other weed killers are designed to kill different types of weeds based on their chemical composition. The specific herbicide you are using may be better suited to kill weeds of a different kind. The label on your weed killer should help you determine the plants it attacks most effectively.

If you are not comfortable applying chemicals to your lawn, you can also kill weeds without using a weed killer.

Can You Put Weed Killer on Wet Grass?

Yes, you can still get rid of weeds if your grass is somewhat wet when you apply the treatment. Some moisture or dew can help the plants absorb more of the weed killer, making it more effective in the long run.

However, you should avoid applying the chemicals when your grass is extremely wet because it could dilute the mixture and cause it to spread to the surrounding grass and plants, ultimately leading to their demise as well.

Killing Weeds in Your Garden and Lawn

By now, you should have a firm grasp of how to use a weed killer. Just remember to read the label and the directions that come with the packaging. Next, apply when it is warm but not too hot, at a time when there is not any rain in the immediate forecast. Last but not least, always wear protective gear. You’ll not only do great, but you can expect to start seeing positive results in no time at all.

Have you tried using a weed killer? Do you have other tips that can be useful, especially to beginners? Let us know what you think and how using a weed killer worked out for you in the comments below!