How to Kill Weeds (25 Fast Acting Weed Killers)

Weed Killer is the best way to rid your yard of any common weeds or any unwanted plant.

We Researched the best fast acting weed killers and describe what each one does so go ahead and take your pick!

Benefits of weed killer

  • Effective Weed Control
  • Easy to use
  • Builds a foundation for weed control later in the season
  • Beautiful Landscaping
  • Crop Yield
  • Mitigates the development of herbicide resistance

Top Fast Acting Weed Killers

RM43 43% Glyphosate Plus Weed Preventer

  • Will kill and prevent weeds for up to a whole year
  • Can treat up to 17,297 square feet
  • Most ideal for using on fence rows, gravel paths, sidewalks, driveways, parking areas and around farm buildings and barns
  • Only apply to locations where no vegetation is wanted
  • Can be used for total control over vegetation or spot control for vines and weeds

RM18 Fast-Acting Weed & Grass Killer Herbicide

  • Will make up to 21 gallons of ready-to-spray weed killing solution
  • Can treat up to 6, 300 Square Feet
  • Noticeable results in as little as 12 hours
  • No Assembly Required

Ortho WeedClearLawn Weed Killer Concentrate

  • Kill weeds without harming your lawn (when used as directed) with Ortho WeedClear Lawn Weed Killer Ready-To-Use Refill; kills all major broadleaf weeds (see label for weed list), including dandelion, chickweed and crabgrass
  • RESULTS IN HOURS: This weed killer is rainproof in 1 hour and delivers visible results in hours, after just one application.
  • OVER 200 TYPES OF WEEDS: Kills weeds to the roots and won’t harm the lawn when used as directed; kills over 200 types of weeds (see label for weed list)
  • FOR MULTIPLE LAWN VARIETIES: For use on grasses including Bermudagrass, Buffalograss, Tall Fescue, Fine Fescues, Kentucky Bluegrass, Ryegrass, and Zoysiagrass
  • GREAT FOR LARGE AREAS: Mix this concentrated formula as directed on the label and apply with a Dial N Spray or tank sprayer; treats up to 5,000 sq. ft.
  • Not available in FL, GU, HI, LA

PureGro Weed Crush Weed Killer Herbicide Concentrate

  • WEED AND GRASS KILLER: Weed Crush is a safe-to-the-earth, non toxic and non selective vegetation killer concentrate that kills and prevents a variety of vegetation including grass, crabgrass, broadleaf weeds, dandelions, foxtail, chickweed, plantain, annual bluegrass, clover and more.
  • FAST ACTING: Get ready for some serious weed control and watch as unsightly vegetation shrivels up in as little as 15 minutes in optimal conditions. The grass and weed killer kills 200+ types of grass and broadleaf weeds fully dead in 24 to 48 hours and is rain proof in one hour.
  • KILLS ON CONTACT: The Weed Crush grass and broadleaf weed killer is designed to control grass and weeds, act fast and be long lasting. The pet friendly weed killer acts through contact and protects the soil, flora, and fauna – meaning it will not be toxic to humans or animals.
  • INHIBITS GROWTH: In addition to burning visible weeds, our weed preventer helps stop them from growing back and spreading. The weed grass killer has no nasty chemicals so will not stain concrete or other substrates while being a child and pet-friendly weed killer that focuses on one job – killing and preventing pesky grass and weeds.
  • SAFE & ALL NATURAL: Unlike other weed killers, Weed Crush is made with all natural ingredients that even smells like cinnamon when applied! Don’t worry about applying in the vicinity or pets or children – Weed Crush is not harmful to pets or children when applied as directed.

Pulverize PWBV-U-032

  • TOUGH: Kills weeds, brush, and vines (including roots). Targets roots to prevent regrowth.
  • ACTIVE INGREDIENTS: Includes active ingredients Ammoniated Soap of Fatty Acids and Maleic Hydrazide that eliminates poison ivy, poison oak, and other unwanted garden pests.
  • CONVENIENT: The convenient spray bottle allows for both heavy and spot treatment on or around gardens, sidewalks, buildings, and other hard to reach places.
  • QUICK: See results within hours of application.
  • DIRECTIONS: Shake well before each use. Spray weeds until foliage is wet. Thorough coverage is important. For spot treatment of individual weeds, apply the solution to the center of the plant.

Spectracide 96451 HG-96451 Weed & Grass Killer Concentrate

  • KILLS WEEDS AND GRASSES: use on driveways and walkways, and around fences, trees, flower beds, shrubs and other areas in your yard
  • KILLS THE ROOT: visible results as fast as 3 hours – replant new flowers, trees and shrubs the same weekend
  • RAINFAST: rainfall or watering 15 minutes after application will not wash away effectiveness
  • CONCENTRATE: Mix and apply with a tank sprayer
  • spray to completely cover the leaves of the target vegetation

Bonide BurnOut Fast-Acting Weed & Grass Killer

  • NON-SELECTIVE WEED CONTROL – BurnOut weed control is for use on non-selective herbaceous broadleaf and grassy weeds. Read the label for specific annual broadleaf weeds, perennial broadleaf weeds, annual grasses, and perennial grasses to be treated.
  • FAST ACTING WEED KILLER – Our weed killing formula can provide results in just hours! Additionally, once this product dries after application it becomes waterproof!
  • VARIETY OF USES – It works in temperatures as low as 40 degrees Fahrenheit. It is great for use around borders, driveways, sidewalks, the base of mature trees, around buildings, fence lines, barns, pastures, school grounds, greenhouses, and more
  • MADE WITH NATURAL INGREDIENTS – BurnOut is made with natural ingredients making it a great alternative solution to synthetic grass and weed killers. Also because of the natural ingredients, it is people and pet-friendly when used as directed.
  • CONCENTRATE MIX FORMULA – Burnout concentrate is used in combination with water. Mix 1 part of this product to 3 parts water (8 fluid ounces of this product in 24 fluid ounces of water).

Hi-Yield Super Concentrate Killzall Weed & Grass Killer

  • Weed killer controls grasses, broadleaf weeds and woody brush species. Do not use on lawns.
  • Contains a double-surfactant formulation that dries on plant fast to start working quickly.
  • Allows you to cover and treat large areas. 1 gal. covers up to 25,600 sq ft.
  • 1 gal bottle of weed control liquid concentrate can treat up to 25,600 square feet.
  • See label for application instruction. Spraying accessory required for application.

Spectracide Weed Stop For Lawns Plus Crabgrass Killer Concentrate

  • KILLS WEEDS, NOT THE LAWN: Controls listed weeds – including crabgrass – not the lawn (when used as directed)
  • KILLS CRABGRASS: Apply the first time you see crabgrass in your lawn
  • KILLS 470 PLUS TYPES OF WEEDS: Controls all types of listed broadleaf and grassy weeds, including crabgrass, dandelion, chickweed, clover and yellow nutsedge (see product label for complete list)
  • RAINPROOF: Rainfall or watering 3 hours after application will not wash away effectiveness
  • QUICKFLIP HOSE-END SPRAYER: Attaches easily to your garden hose and activates at the flip of a switch

RoundUp VB02165 Kill Weeds to The Roots

  • The Roundup Ready-To-Use Assortment Bundle contains three distinct weed-killing products that bring fast-acting weed control to your garden, landscape, and hardscapes
  • Roundup Ready-To-Use Extended Control Weed & Grass Killer Plus Weed Preventer II with Comfort Wand features a dual-action formula that kills existing weeds and prevents new ones from growing for up to 4 months on driveways, sidewalks, and patios
  • Create an invisible weed-barrier in the soil with Roundup Ready-To-Use Max Control 365 with Comfort Wand
  • The no-mix formula in Roundup Ready-To-Use Weed & Grass Killer III with Comfort Wand is ideal for use in and around vegetable gardens, flower beds, tree rings and mulched beds
  • Each bottle has an attached continuous spray Comfort Wand with an extended reach for no bending or hand fatigue

Ortho GroundClear Super Weed & Grass Killer 1

  • The dual action formula of Ortho GroundClear Super Weed & Grass Killer1 kills even the toughest types of weeds and grasses working on contact for fast results while moving down to the roots
  • FAST-ACTING: Weeds start to wilt within hours and completely die in 1-2 weeks with this quick kill formula that is rainfast 15 minutes after it’s applied
  • MAXIMUM CONTROL: This powerful formula starts to work on contact as it is absorbed into the plant and works through its system to kill weeds right down to the root
  • WEEDS CAN’T HIDE: Ortho GroundClear will effectively kill weeds wherever they are – in gravel and mulch beds; around landscape areas; on patios, walkways, and driveways; and along fences and buildings
  • EASY TO USE: Use the attached continuous spray Comfort Wand to kill weeds easily and accurately without any bending, pumping, or hand-fatigue

Spectracide Weed And Grass Killer 1.33 Gallons

  • KILLS WEEDS AND GRASSES: Use on driveways and walkways, and around fences, trees, flower beds, shrubs and other areas in your yard
  • FAST-ACTING FORMULA: Visible results as fast as 3 hours – replant new flowers, trees and shrubs the same weekend
  • RAINFAST: Rainfall or watering 15 minutes after application will not wash away effectiveness
  • KILLS THE ROOT: Completely cover the leaves of the target vegetation.
  • ACCUSHOT SPRAYER: includes continuous power sprayer with extendable wand

Scotts DiseaseEx Lawn Fungicide

  • Don’t let brown spots or mildew block your path to a beautiful yard; Scotts DiseaseEx Lawn Fungicide is a fast-acting formula that stops and prevents 26 common lawn-blemishing diseases
  • PREVENTS AND CONTROLS: This lawn fungus treatment is preventative when used on lawns to control brown spots and rings before they appear, and curative when applied on lawns showing signs of disease
  • CURES 26 LAWN DISEASE TYPES: Offers broad spectrum disease prevention and control against Brown Patch, Stem and Stripe Rust, Red Thread, Powdery Mildew, Necrotic Ring Spot, Summer Patch, Yellow Patch and more listed diseases
  • FAST ACTING: Starts working in 24 hours of treatment; the systemic fungicide formula controls common broad spectrum diseases for up to 4 weeks
  • USE WITH CONFIDENCE: Apply this lawn fungus control with a Scotts spreader at a uniform coverage; a 10 lb. bag can treat up to 5,000 sq. ft.; people and pets may re-enter treated area after application

Ortho GroundClear Year Long Vegetation Killer

  • Ortho GroundClear Year Long Vegetation Killer1 is a concentrate formula that kills weeds and prevents any re-growth for up to 1 year with a single application
  • Fast-acting formula starts working immediately
  • Starts to kill weeds and grasses in 3 hours
  • Kills tough weeds to the root when used as directed
  • Apply with a tank sprayer to driveways, sidewalks, gravel areas, rock and desert landscapes, under decks, on parking areas, and along fences and curbs (packaging may vary)

Natural Armor Weed and Grass Killer All-Natural Concentrated Formula

  • CONTAINS NO GLYPHOSATE – Natural, Concentrated Formula For Making 250+ Types of Weeds and Grasses Stop Right in Their Tracks. Weeds and Grass Will Look Like You Took A Torch To Them.
  • EASY TO USE – People & Pet Friendly. Ready To Use, Just Spray and Go. No Messy Mixing or Diluting.
  • PLACES TO USE – Use Anywhere You Don’t Want Weeds and Grass Growing Such As, Around Flower Beds, Shrubs and Trees, Barns, Driveways, Edging, Fence Lines, Foundations, Gravel Areas, Mulch Beds, Overgrown Weed Areas, Parking Areas, Patios, Pavers, Pool Areas, Rock Walls and Pathways, Walkways, Wells & Water Systems. Any Location Where No Vegetation is Wanted
  • FAST ACTING – See Results In Hours and Even Greater Results Shortly Thereafter.
  • 30-DAY MONEY BACK GUARANTEE – OUR PRODUCT WORKS. Not Satisfied? We’ll Refund Your Money, For Any Reason. No Questions Asked.

Green Gobbler 20% Vinegar Weed & Grass Killer

  • KILLS WEEDS & GRASS FAST – Eliminate any type of weed in just a matter of hours. Expect full desiccation in less than 24 hours. Green Gobbler contains 20% acetic acid. Use on crabgrass, dandelions, clover weeds, white clover, moss, etc.
  • SAFE TO USE ANYWHERE – Perfect for residential, commercial, industrial and agricultural use. Apply where weeds and grasses are not desired. Use on driveways, sidewalks, concrete, mulch beds, pavers, flower beds, parking lots, farmlands, barns, etc. Ready to use right out the container.
  • CERTIFIED FOR ORGANIC USE – Completely eliminates and desiccates weeds and grasses without using toxic chemicals. Made straight from corn. OMRI listed weed killer and certified for organic use.
  • POWERFUL FORMULA – NO potentially cancer-causing chemicals. Glyphosate-free. 20% formula is four times stronger than traditional table vinegar. Made strictly from ethanol distilled from corn grain.
  • 30-DAY MONEY BACK GUARANTEE – If you are not pleased, call or email us with your order number and we will reimburse your entire purchase. We value our customers and we stand behind all of our products. Expect a

ECO Garden PRO – Organic Vinegar Weed Killer

  • PET & KID SAFE HERBICIDE – Eco Garden Pro Weed Killer is designed with you and your family in mind! All of our ingredients are carefully selected to be SAFE FOR: PETS, CHILDREN, BEES, FISH, AND ANY LIVESTOCK!
  • ORGANIC WEED KILLER – Formulated to KILL WEEDS AND GRASS FAST. Our proprietary formula will deliver IMMEDIATE RESULTS WITHIN 24 HOURS! Perfect for all residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural use – including: driveways, sidewalks, concrete, mulch beds, pavement, flowers beds, parking lots, and farm lands.
  • WORKS within 24 HOURS POWERFUL PROPRIETARY FORMULATION – Our READY TO USE (RTU) formula contains natural white vinegar, organic rock salt, biodegradable plant activators, and fermentation derived co-factors, all designed to eliminate weeds and grass effectively and quickly.
  • WORKS FOR CLOVER, MOSS, & POISON IVY – Eco Garden Pro Weed Killer will work to eliminate all conventional weeds and grasses, including: DANDELIONS, CLOVER, CHICKWEED, DOLLAR WEED, THISTLE, CRABGRASS, MOSS, WHITE COVER, AND GENERAL WEEDS AND GRASSES.
  • GREEN LAWN FOR A GREEN ENVIRONMENT – Eco Garden Pro Weed Killer is designed to work effectively without any toxic chemicals. The product is ECO FRIENDLY, PHOSPHATE FREE, 100% BIODEGRADABLE, AND SAFE FOR GROUND WATER.

Doctor Kirchner Natural Weed & Grass Killer

  • A natural weed killer Made from ocean salt water, commercial strength food grade vinegar and soap.
  • Our non selective ready to spray Natural Weed & Grass Killer is not normally used on the lawn.
  • No Mixing, No Glyphosate and No Hormone Disrupting Chemicals

Roundup Concentrate Poison Ivy Killer Plus Tough Brush Killer

  • BRUSH & POISON IVY KILLER: Roundup Poison Ivy Plus Tough Brush Killer kills over 200 types of weeds and grasses including Woody Brush and Vines, Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, Poison Sumac, Kudzu, and Wild Blackberry
  • FAST ACTING: Visible results in as fast as 24 hours
  • GUARANTEE: Kills weeds to the root so weeds don’t come back. (If for any reason you are not satisfied after using this product, simply send us original proof of purchase and we will refund the purchase price)
  • RAINPROOF: Rainproof in as fast as 30 minutes for control that won’t wash away
  • EASY TO USE: Use of a Roundup brand sprayer is recommended. Add 6 fl oz per gallon of water. Spray the leaves to kill the root. Use on patios and walkways, around homes and buildings, along paths and fences, or other areas where tough weeds are growing

Southern Ag Amine 2,4-D Weed Killer

  • Selective Broadleaf Weed Control
  • For use in pastures & rangeland, lawns, golf courses, cemeteries, parks,& similar ornamental turf.

Ortho Nutsedge Killer for Lawns

  • Kills yellow and purple Nutsedge, Kyllinga and over 50 other tough weeds
  • For Northern and Southern turf grasses
  • Kills Weeds, Not Lawns
  • Rainproof in 2 hours
  • Ready to use—no mixing

The Andersons Barricade Granular Pre Emergent Weed Control

  • Apply this product only in EARLY SPRING and FALL
  • Barricade professional-grade pre-emergent weed control is designed to prevent weeds, and will not aid in eliminating existing weeds.
  • Contains 0.48% of the active ingredient prodiamine – Labeled to prevent over 30 grass and broadleaf weeds
  • Trusted by top turf care professionals to prevent problem weeds without harming desirable plants
  • DG Pro formulation allows for more particles per square inch of chemical – leads to better control of weeds

Preen Lawn Crabgrass Control

  • Stops crabgrass all season and can be applied up to 4-weeks after crabgrass emerges
  • Prevents crabgrass and 40+ common lawn weeds
  • Prevents crabgrass all season
  • Can be used on cool and warm season grasses: creeping bentgrass, Kentucky bluegrass, fine fescue, tall fescue, perennial ryegrass, bahiagrass, bermudagrass, buffalograss, carpetgrass, centipedegrass, St. Augustinegrass, zoysiagrass, apply as directed
  • Covers 5, 000 sq ft

LV MAX Fast-Acting Weed Killer

  • Controls 90+ broadleaf weeds fast, including ground ivy, thistle, bindweed, horseweed, buttercup, and pigweed
  • Visible results in 6 hours
  • Labeled for use in lawns, pastures, and non‑cropland areas
  • Excellent cool-temperature performance
  • One gallon covers 170,660 sq. ft. of lawns and 71,100 sq. ft. of pastures
  • Reseed in 7 days

Natria 100532524 Grass & Weed Control

  • WEED KILLER: Non-selective herbicide kills listed weeds and grasses including crabgrass, posion ivy, clover, and more
  • ROOT KILLER: Exclusive formula kills to the root within minutes
  • RESULTS: Start seeing visual results in as little as 24 hours
  • USE ON: Flower beds, driveways, sidewalks, stepping stones, patios and more. Does not stain bricks, concrete, or asphalt.
  • EASY APPLICATION: Spray weeds until foliage is wet
  • COVERAGE AREA: Treats up to 450 square feet

Compare-N-Save 75324 Herbicide

  • Rainproof in 2 hours
  • Visible results in as little as 2 to 4 days
  • Contains 41-percent glyphosate
  • Covers over 25,000 square feet
  • Makes up to 85 gal. of ready-to-use spray. Note: Packaging may vary

Can you apply/spray weed killer after rain

It is recommended to spray 30-60 minutes before rainfall. When it stops raining, wait for the leaves to dry before re-spraying or else the herbicides in the spray may wash away.

For many herbicides, any amount of rainfall soon after spraying has the potential to reduce absorption, translocation, and subsequent weed control. If you apply herbicide and it rains before it’s rainfast, herbicide performance will be reduced

How to kill Weeds around trees

fast acting weed killer

Try a bark mulch or wood chips, which decompose slowly. Spread them in a layer a few inches thick, making sure the mulch does not touch the trunk or stems. You can mulch with grass cuttings if you are sure they are weed-free, but leave them to wilt first or they will attract snails.

Suppress weeds with layers of newspaper, weighed down with soil or grass clippings or opaque polythene sheeting weighed down with stones. You can also hide these under a layer of bark. You can buy special mulch matting made of hemp or flax, or use a layer of gravel.

Weed killer for new grass

Generally, you will want to wait to apply any weed killer until you have mowed the grass at least 4 times. You’ll want to avoid using a pre-emergent to a newly seeded lawn for at least 3-4 months.

Also, some weed and feed products are non-selective, pre-emergent herbicides targeted at preventing weed seeds from sprouting. As such, when they’re applied on a recently seeded lawn even before the grass seeds germinate, they’ll kill the weed seeds as well as the grass seeds.

Best Weed Killer for Large Area

Ortho GroundClear Super Weed & Grass Killer 1

This weed killer from Ortho is a great option if you are looking to get rid of large amounts of weeds. Ortho’s product kills both weed and grass, making it a versatile choice. With its comfort wand, this product gives you precise results.

This fast working formula works as soon as it makes contact with a weed, killing it directly at the root. As a result, weeds will not come back. 

I thinks this is one of the best weed killer for large areas in the market, especially if you want quick results!

Is Weed Killer safe for Flowers?

fast acting weed killer

A weed killer is a pesticide that kills plants, also known as an herbicide. Selective herbicides only kill certain plants and do not harm others. Nonselective herbicides kill any plants that they touch. There are many different weed killers available and their risk to people can vary from low to high.

Bee Friendly Weed Killer

fast acting weed killer

2,4-D and Atrazine are two herbicides shown by studies to be safe for use around bees. Use commercial products containing these ingredients to spray weeds without harming bees. Other common weed killers, such as Glyphosate (Roundup), Dicamba, and even household vinegar will kill bees.

Best sprayers for weed killer

Field King Max Backpack Sprayer 4 Gal

  • Internal No Leak Pump design is safer to use – chemicals will not drip down your back.
  • Durable, 21 inch stainless steel wand with the highest quality Viton seals for chemical resistance.
  • Premium, lockable shut off with brass components and an in-line filter.
  • Easy access pump, change seals in just minutes with no tools.
  • 4 nozzles included: brass adjustable, 2 flat fans, and foaming nozzle. Also accepts TeeJet nozzles.

Roundup Backpack Sprayer 4 Gal

  • 4-Gallon sprayer meets all your spraying needs (controlling weeds and pests, growing flowers and vegetables and cleaning decks and siding)
  • Heavy-duty poly wand with shut-off featuring a comfort grip, lock for continuous spraying and an in-line filter
  • Viton seals and gaskets throughout the pump and shut-off for long lasting chemical resistance
  • Adjustable padded straps with waist belt and built-in lumbar support
  • Includes 3 nozzles for versatility: poly adjustable, high volume fan, and low volume fan

Scotts Battery Pump Sprayer 2 Gal

  • Rechargeable lithium-ion power. Sprays up to 12 full tanks per charge.
  • Premium, commercial grade shut-off with comfortable grip; lock-on feature; and easy-to-clean, in-line filter
  • 21-inch poly wand with Viton seals in shut-off for long-term resistance to chemicals
  • Pressure release valve allows you to safely remove internal pressure prior to opening the sprayer
  • Teardrop-shaped tank adds stability Due to the lower center of gravity and includes built-in nozzle storage and protection.
  • 3-In-1 nozzle with three settings: fan spray, stream spray, and cone spray
  • Limited 3-year with free replacement parts
  • Made in the USA with global components

Final thoughts

No matter your final decision,