Weed killers are the cheapest and quickest way to keep your lawn and garden weed-free. However, it is not always easy to choose the best brush killer on the market, as there are too many of them.
- POISON IVY KILLER: Plus it kills Kudzu, Poison Oak,...
- SPECIAL FORMULA: Special penetrating formula, kills even the...
- RESULTS: Start seeing visual results in 1- 6 weeks
The brush killer home gardeners love most is the BioAdvanced 70640B. It is a selective herbicide that works well on lawn and grass pastures. Moreover, it contains strong penetrating formulas to kill all types of weeds and brush.
In-depth Reviews of The Best Brush and Shrub Killers
#1 Roundup Ready-to-Use Poison Ivy – Best For Convenience
- BRUSH & POISON IVY KILLER: Roundup Ready-To-Use Poison Ivy...
- FAST ACTING: Visible results in as fast as 24 hours
- GUARANTEE: Kills weeds to the root so weeds don't come back....
Features:
- Combines the power of two strong brush killing ingredients
- Kills many types of plants and weeds to the root, including ivies, poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac
- Stays rainproof in 30 minutes
- Produces visible results in only 24 hours
- 4 versions available
What we like:
This Roundup weed killer is powerful enough to kill the toughest weeds and grasses by combining two strong brush killing ingredients.
The fact that it comes with a trigger is a huge bonus in terms of convenience. Furthermore, one gallon should last you for a long time.
What can be improved?
The Roundup product’s chemicals are quite strong, so it may kill surrounding plants if you are not careful.
And a common problem with weed killers is that they emit a bad smell once sprayed. This Roundup model is not an exception.
#2 BioAdvanced 70640B Brush Killer – Best Overall
- POISON IVY KILLER: Plus it kills Kudzu, Poison Oak,...
- SPECIAL FORMULA: Special penetrating formula, kills even the...
- RESULTS: Start seeing visual results in 1- 6 weeks
Features:
- Special penetrating formula that kills weeds down to the root
- Protects the area from rain in four hours
- Produces results in one to six weeks
- Four versions and four capacities
- Ready-to-spray one-touch sprayer
What we like:
With this one-touch brush killer spray, killing weeds in a vast area is a breeze. Attach this killer to the garden hose, turn on the water, and you are good to go.
Like other powerful killers, this BioAdvanced weed preventer uses strong penetrating formulas to kill pesky weeds and brush down to the roots and prevent regrowth. In addition to brush, it can handle stumps with a paintbrush.
What can be improved?
Once diluted with water, it takes a long time to produce visible results. Such a strong formula can also kill desirable plants.
#3 Southern Ag – 01113 – Brush Killer – Best For Capacity
- This brush control herbicide is easy to use
- Kills vines and many hard to control plants
- Prevents sprouting on clean-cut stumps
Features:
- Kills vines and many tough weeds and plants
- Prevents sprouting on stumps
- Uses triclopyr as a main active ingredient
- Becomes rainproof in a few hours
What we like:
Triclopyr is a safe ingredient for humans, animals, and plants.
That is why you can spray the formula on the weeds without worrying too much about your favorite plants close-by. Nonetheless, it is still necessary to take safety precaution measures.
As an added perk, you can use this weed killer in dry areas, such as walkways, fences, trails, etc. It is effective against some common weeds like creeping charlie and poison ivy.
What can be improved?
The product’s odor is quite strong, which may make you feel unpleasant. It takes a while for this uncomfortable smell to go away.
#4 Southern Ag CROSSBOW32 Weed & Brush Killer – Best For Rangeland
- Low Volatile Weed & Brush Herbicide
- Controls most kinds of unwanted trees & brush
- Very effective
Features:
- Controls most unwanted trees and brush
- Uses on rangeland and non-crop areas
- Works for spot kill
What we like:
Like the 01113 above, this product is capable of controlling most unwanted trees and brush with triclopyr. It works best on rangeland and non-crop areas.
The best thing is you can use this CROSSBOW model for spot kill.
What can be improved?
This brush and shrub killer takes up to 1 week to kill off unwanted weeds. Moreover, the lid could be upgraded into a measuring cup.
#5 Bonide (BND332) – Poison Ivy and Brush Killer – Best For Spot Treatment
- BRUSH AND WEED KILLER - Kills a variety of brush, woody...
- STUMP KILLER - Poison Ivy and Brush Killer can also be used...
- SAFE FOR GRASS - Designed to kill brush and a variety of...
Features:
- Kills a wide array of brush, weeds, and vines, such as poison ivy and poison oak
- Removes tree stumps with ease
- Protects lawn grasses
What we like:
This is the best weed and brush killer for spot treatment on lawns and gardens on our list today.
It can effectively deal with more than 70 different types of unwanted vegetation without harming other desirable trees and grasses. 32 ounces is enough for brush killing, and this bottle can treat an area that measures up to 10,000 square feet.
What can be improved?
This pick is not the fastest when it comes to results. Brush will start dying after you have applied the formula for about a week.
If exposed to the skin, it can cause irritation.
#6 BrushTox Brush Killer with Triclopyr – Best Powerful
- Treats up to 1 Acre
- For control of woody plants and broadleaf weeds
- To control resprouting of freshly cut stumps
Features:
- Controls woody plants, broadleaf weeds, and freshly cut stumps
- Treats up to one acre
- Works on grass pastures and ornamental turf
- Contains 61% Triclopyr
What we like:
Containing 61% triclopyr, this Brushtox shrub killer is powerful. It works magic for removing woody plants, such as mesquite, wild rose, aspen, and alder. Broadleaf weeds are also its targets.
Once diluted, this 32-ounce concentrate is enough to treat up to an acre.
What can be improved?
Since the BrushTox weed killer can irritate your skin, you are advised to wear protective clothing when treating the weeds.
Compared to other best weed killers, this product is quite expensive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What chemicals kill brush once and for all?
A: Triclopyr is a highly effective chemical in killing all kinds of brush and weeds. It is listed as the main ingredient in many weed killers. As an added perk, triclopyr is a selective ingredient that does not kill grass.
Q: Can I make weed killer concentrate at home?
A: Yes, of course. The easiest weed killer to make at home is vinegar concentrated.
You can dilute apple cider vinegar to water and spray it to the roots of the brush. Vinegar can handle stubborn weeds, brush, and poison ivies well. Also, you can rely on Epsom salt or baking soda as a natural way to kill weeds.
Q: Will brush killers kill lawn grass?
A: Non-selective and contact herbicides will, but non-selective killers will not. If you are a homeowner who wants to treat weeds but keep your lawn grass safe, you should be careful to choose non-selective products.
Q: Does vinegar kill weeds and brush permanently?
A: There is evidence that vinegar does kill weeds and brush permanently, but it is not always so effective. Of course, chemicals are more powerful compared to this natural ingredient.
Q: How quickly does brush killers work?
A: It depends on which model you are using. Contact herbicides work quickly, but it may take weeks to kill the weeds and plants from the root.
How To Choose The Best Brush Killer Concentrate
Types of Brush Killers
Brush and weed killers are categorized based on different criteria: selectivity, persistence, and systemic vs. contact. Make sure you know which type of weed killer is the best for your situation before rushing to buy a product.
Selectivity
This term means which plants the products will target. If the weed killer is selective, it only kills certain plants and leaves others intact.
Generally, selective killers always deal with woody plants, but sometimes there are broadleaf plants and vines. They will not kill your grass.
Selective weed killers are the best option for most homeowners since you may want to kill individual plants only.
In contrast, a non-selective weed killer will kill any plants that come into contact with it. It is ideal if you are seeking a solution to remove all the vegetation in an area.
Note that non-selective killers are not recommended for lawn or driveway.
Persistence
Persistence refers to the amount of time the brush killing chemicals stay in the soil and prevent plant growth. Some products can last for many months, while others only remove plants and fade in a short time.
If you want to replant in the treated area soon, you should avoid products with long-lasting action.
Systemic vs. Contact
Most of the best weed killers are systemic herbicides, meaning they work from the inside and kill the plants from the leaves down to the roots. This method is probably the best to prevent plant regrowth, but it can take weeks for the plants to die completely.
Meanwhile, contact herbicides only kill the parts that it is exposed to. Normally, the killers cannot reach the roots, thus the plants can regrow quickly. A typical contact weed killer is concentrated vinegar.
Preparation
Weed killers are often available as a liquid concentrate or ready-to-use bottles.
Ready-to-use products contain pre-diluted chemicals, and as the name suggests, you can use them immediately. Usually, they come with a spray wand.
Meanwhile, liquid concentrate is not ready to use straight out of the box. You have to dilute the concentrate with water first, then put it into your sprayer before using it to kill the weeds.
This process can take a while, especially if you are not familiar with mixing brush killing liquid. But with liquid concentrate, you can adjust the liquid’s strength, a huge bonus.
Features To Look For
Strength
The best brush killer should be powerful enough to kill all the weeds and brush. But if it is too strong, it can prevent you from growing any plants in the treated area for a long time. In worse cases, it might harm not only the land but also small animals and children.
You need to make sure the strong chemicals used in the weed killer are safe for general use. The easiest way to do so is to read the product’s active ingredient list and confirm whether the experts approve the chemicals or not.
It is also important to ensure that the weed killers only kill the plants you desire to remove. This attribute is indicated in the product description as well, so take your time to read it carefully.
Safety
Safety is second to strength when it comes to important factors to consider when buying a shrub killer. As mentioned above, you should only choose the products that contain safe and approved chemicals.
Besides, you can check the safety remarks on the label to ensure its safety. Again, reading the label and product description carefully can be more helpful than you thought.
Water Resistance
Your garden will get hosed or watered down at some point, so unless you want the chemicals to be washed away, you had better opt for a product that can resist the water. In other words, the best weed and shrub killer should not be rinsed off so easily.
Fortunately, most weed killers have this feature, although the rainproof period does vary from product to product. Some are only rainproof for 30 minutes, but a few can resist water for many hours.
The thing is, many products need to sit on the plants for a while before they become rainproof, a tough problem in some areas with heavy rainfall. If you are living in such an area, you need a weed killer that turns rainproof quickly.
Brand
If you are new to brush killing, it is best to go for some well-established brands, such as BioAdvanced, Roundup, and Kuzdu. Their reputation proves that their products do work.
In case you are quite familiar with these weed killers, you can check out some cheaper products that guarantee the same results. Read the active ingredient list carefully, and you will be all set.
What is the best weed killer to use? Let’s watch:
Parting Thoughts
As mentioned above, BioAdvanced 70640B is the gardeners’ top choice. It is powerful and easy to use. More notably, it is a selective herbicide that can serve the needs of most homeowners.
Other products on the list are also worth your consideration, take your time to choose the most suitable killer.
Anyway, you should carefully consider the brand, type, strength, safety, water resistance, and all the details listed in the buying guide to choose the best brush killer.
Last update on 2024-06-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API