Best weed killer for gravel driveways (get rid of weed completely)

Gravel driveways are a nice addition to your home, and generally speaking, they are much cheaper than alternatives such as block paving.

However, if neglected, gravel pathways can become a real pain as they can become overgrown with weeds and grass.

There are various ways to eliminate weeds in a small patch, but a designated weed killer will be better if they are persistent.

In our considerations, Roundup Ready-To-Use Weed Killer is the best of them all due to its fantastic formulas and quick, visible results.

The 6 Best Weed Killers for Gravel

Roundup Ready-To-Use Weed Killer – Best Overall

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Feature

• Dual-action formula for pre- and post-emergent weeds
• Kills weeds to the root
• Suitable for wide variety of surfaces, not just gravel
• Rainproof in only 10 minutes
• Shows visible results in 3 hours

What we like

This weed killer employs a dual-action formula that kills existing weeds and prevents new ones from growing for months afterward.

Our first weed killer pick captures us as it can turn rainproof in a matter of 10 minutes and you will see visible results in 3 hours. You can use it on other areas besides the gravel paths, such as the patio, curb, the fence, and parts of the lawns.

What can be improved?

This product is not without its fault, however. The weed killer can be too potent, thus causes an unpleasant smell that poses a health risk if too often exposed.

Spectracide Weed & Grass Killer – Runner-Up

Feature

• Rainproof in 15 minutes
• Can be mixed and applied with a tank sprayer
• Money-back guarantee
• Non-selective
• Effective on a wide variety of weeds

What we like

This non-selective herbicide impresses us with its powerful performance, which, when put to practice, can be capable of killing over 155 types and species of weed. As it’s rainproof within 15 minutes, you don’t have to worry about scheduling spraying.

What’s more, it can even prevent grass and weed development. No matter where you apply it, be it your fence, patio, flowerbeds, or shrubs, the result will turn out as you expect.

One caveat this product has is that it’s not very suitable for spot weed treatments. For gravel, however, it’s remarkably effective.

What can be improved?

One caveat this product has is that it’s not very suitable for spot weed treatments. For gravel, however, it’s remarkably effective.

Roundup Weed and Grass Killer Super Concentrate – Best Persistence

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Feature

• Concentrate value for widespread weed problems
• Optimal for usage in tank sprayers
• Contains glyphosate at 18% for effective weed killing from the inside
• Very persistent, can last for a while

What we like

Containing glyphosate at 18%, the weed killer invades the plant’s circulatory system and kills the weeds from the inside, thereby preventing them from growing back.

In terms of long-lasting effects, it triumphs over the best of them. It will kill weeds and grasses to their roots, thus keeping you from having to apply it more than necessary for a long time.

What can be improved?

Something to note with this product is that it will take time to show results, even up to weeks. For those who prefer instant results, this factor is something to consider.

OrganicMatters Natural Weed Killer Spray – Best Eco-Friendly

Feature

• Eco-friendly, made from natural ingredients
• Safe to use
• Eliminates weeds effectively in less than 24 hours
• Kills over 250 types of weeds
• 30-day money-back guarantee

What we like

Made of entirely natural ingredients with no glyphosate, you are more responsible for helping the Earth and protected from health risks when using it.

You can use it in numerous areas, including flowerbeds, shrubs, trees, fences, gravel areas, and more. The types of weeds it can kill can reach over 250, including dandelions, crabgrass, and other broadleaf types.

What can be improved?

Despite it being natural, it can still be a bit harmful. Thus, never neglect extra protective measures to avoid direct contact with the sprays.

Bonide Weed Killer – Best Coverage

Feature

• Effective and widespread coverage
• Suitable for year-round use
• Safe to use no matter the grasses
• A pre- and post-emergent weed control measure

What we like

Bonide Weed Killer is safe to use on both warm and cool season grasses, including but not limited to bluegrass, carpetgrass, Bermuda grass, and fescue.

What’s unique about this product is that it is designed as both a pre- and post-emergent weed control. It can be applied before or after weeds have sprouted, giving you plenty of flexibility in application.

What can be improved?

Regardless, it takes time to dry and become rainproof, requiring you to schedule carefully before spraying.

Doctor Kirchner Natural Weed & Grass Killer – Best Premium Pick

Feature

• Natural weed killer made from ocean saltwater, food-grade vinegar, and soap
• Non-selective
• Effective on a wide variety of applications, even on the toughest weeds
• Eco-pour jug using less practice
• No mixing, glyphosate, or hormone-disrupting chemicals

What we like

Doctor Kirchner Natural Weed & Grass Killer’s jug uses less plastic, and there are no mixing, glyphosate, or hormone-disrupting chemicals featured in its construction. Therefore, it is one one of the more powerful weed killers on this list while also being more eco-friendly.

The combination of ocean saltwater, commercial-strength food-grade vinegar, and soap will kill even the toughest weeds.

What can be improved?

It’s quite expensive, however, so determine if it’s worthwhile to purchase it instead of other options for your weed control.

Buying Guide for the Best Weed Killer for Gravel Driveways

Selectivity

Even the best weed killer for driveways can only kill certain types of plants instead of all of them; thus, it is advisable to research the weeds growing on your gravel driveways before deciding on a purchase.

Selective weed killers are effective on broadleaf weeds, such as clover, creeping charlie, or dandelions. Unwanted grasses like crabgrass can also be quite susceptible to weed killers.

Non-selective weed killers will kill everything in sight once you apply them to your gravel driveways, giving you full weed control – highly recommended for this purpose.

Homeowners usually don’t want anything left growing on their gravel areas for a cleaner look, unlike lawns, where the presence of grass is nice and welcoming. That’s why you must check first whether the weed killers are selective or not.

Persistence

Persistent weed killers will kill grasses and many types of weeds effectively. The effectiveness is easily seen: once applied to an area, besides the initial effects, usually minutes after application, there will be residues that linger and continue to prevent unwanted grasses from reappearing.

In this regard, liquid rather than granular weed killer are better as some of them will protect an area for a long time, even up to a year. But don’t expect every weed killer to be like this, as this long-term, powerful performance is rather exclusive.

However, if possible, try to find the most persistent yet natural weed killers out there to accompany your household maintenance. They will kill even the toughest weeds without relying on extra toxic chemicals.

Pre-Emergent or Post-Emergent

The first method is possibly more common, which is killing weeds after they’ve already grown. Grown weeds are visible, hence easier to counter.

For that reason, if you have weed roots already growing in your paths, consider a post-emergent weed killer. They will be effective in helping you gain back control over unwanted weeds.

However, if you despise seeing even a sight of weeds in gravel or any weed growth, consider a pre-emergent weed killer. It’s used as a preventative measure to make sure that weed won’t grow in the first place.

The effectiveness is enhanced when you combine both of these techniques. If your gravel areas already have stubborn weeds, after you’ve applied the post-emergent weed killer, spray the pre-emergent weed killer to prevent them from growing back.

Get to know more about when to apply pre-emergent weed killer to your lawn:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJoTeNmV0_k

Contact or Systemic

Contact weed killers will act only upon the plant’s parts being sprayed, meaning that so long as the plant is sprayed correctly, it will be killed.

But the effectiveness of said weed killers leaves a lot to be desired, for they won’t kill the roots. The weed killers won’t be as effective beneath the soil, allowing the weeds to grow back again.

In contrast, systemic weed killers will attack the plants from the inside, kill them entirely, even the roots. They are absorbed through the leaves, so it might take some time for you to notice the results.

Systemic weed killers are for patient customers, but the outcome is worthwhile as once a plant is killed, it won’t grow back. With enough application, your gravel driveways are sure free of weeds for a long period.

Safety

Safety is quite an underrated feature, but important nonetheless. If you are using a weed killer for your gravel pathways, make sure that you wear protective gear and avoid being exposed to toxic chemicals that might pose serious health complications.

Look for components, such as backpacks, nozzles, and more, so that you will only have minimal exposure when spraying the weed killers. Some types of weed killers are more eco-safe, especially for people and pets, while still being effective.

Size

Your weed killers’ size is very important, as this will determine how effective it is for your gravel areas. It is better to assess firsthand how big the weeds and the weed-covered areas are, then go over the size of the weed killer you intend to buy.

If you have a wide and long gravel path but only minimal weed growth, you probably don’t need too big of a weed killer. However, if you have a small gravel area but infested with unwanted grass, a large-sized weed killer might be what you need to help with removing weeds from gravel.

Chemicals

There’s a balance in ensuring the safety of your family, yourself, and your pets. The potency of the chemicals required to kill weed growth effectively will determine how fast and thorough the weed killer will be in their effects, but they might also pose a health risk if used frequently.

Industrial weed killers are usually deemed as the best and most effective weed killer for gravel, but more and more people these days are opting for a more organic alternative instead.

Rock salt, table salt oriented, or pure vinegar-based weed killers are almost just as effective as the industrial weed killers, but usually, they will require your patience and effort spent on applying them.

Conclusion

In our consideration, Roundup Ready-To-Use B001OELY9C Weed Killer is our choice as the definitive best weed killer for gravel.

However, for this list, there are no wrong choices. We’ve included a buying guide with detailed reviews to help you determine which is the best and most suitable weed killer for you.

Have a nice time revamping your gravel driveways, and remember to wear protective gear!

Last update on 2024-04-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API