A Guide to Using Weed Killer

The very mention of the word 'weeds' is enough to send shivers down the spine of any keen gardener due to the time and effort it takes to remove these unwanted plants from a garden. If left untreated weeds can become a menace and take over a space causing major upset to the established garden plants in their rightful home.

Tackling problem garden weeds has however become much easier thanks to the development of chemical based weed killer. As one of the most used herbicides domestic weed killer is now a key piece of gardening equipment in any gardener's toolbox.

Over the years, leading manufacturers such as Weedol and Roundup have released numerous varieties of weed killer on to the market, each designed for different tasks. Some are for lighter jobs whilst others are far more potent and should only be used for heavy duty weed removal.

With so many weed killers available it can get confusing as to which one best suits your requirements. Some weed killers come with ready made spray appliances, some are gels or creams whilst other require you to mix the chemicals from concentrate which necessitates the need for you to have the correct gardening equipment to do this job.

Types of Weed Killer

Weed killers based on chemicals usually work in a number of ways;

Contact Killers

This type of weed killer works when applied directly to the unwanted weed.Best suited for use on weeds that are situated amongst densely populated garden plants, contact weed killers need to be painted or applied to the foliage of the weed itself making them targeted and specific.

Systematic Weed Killer

Typically applied through a spray, systematic weed killers work from the inside of the weed out by attacking the plants roots first and spreading throughout the rest of the weed. Although systematic varieties often take longer to work they are more suitable for use on perennial or deep rooted weeds.

Most systematic weed killers, including those based on glyphosate will require a spray application so some gardening equipment may be required. Some will come with ready-made spray devicesthat make the process easier due to you not having to handle the chemical but for use on larger areas choosing a concentratewould probably be more beneficial.

Weed Prevention

These varieties are for use on the ground and target the dormant weed seeds that lie below the soil. By preventing the seeds from germinating this type of weed killer is ideal for use on areas where annual weeds are a problem due to the volume of seeds likely to be present.

When to Apply Weed Killer

Getting the timing right when applying weed killer is important not only for safety reasons (more details of which can be seen below) but also because the weather can play a part in how effective the herbicide will be. Overcast days, for instance, are an excellent day to apply spray weed killers as on rainy days the herbicides will be washed away and on sunny days, they will be evaporated before they have had the chance to work.

In other instances the time of year should also be considered as where the weed is in its growth cycle will determine how effective the weed killer is. The best time to apply a systematic wed killer, for example, is in the spring time when the plant has already begun to grow and the plants transport system is active enabling the chemical to be transported around the plant more efficiently.

Always Read the Label

When it comes to using weed killer it is essential that you always read the directions on the packet as each brand and type will be different requiring different applications.

The manufacturers of the product will have spent a great deal of time working out the correct measures of each particular weed killer so by disregarding the instructions, all you will do is end up using more of the substance than is necessary and the likelihood is that it will not destroy your weed problem any quicker anyway.

Importantly, the directions on the weed killer will also provide information as to when it will be safe to re-plant on the treated area. This is particularly important when clearing large areas within which you wish to grow vegetables or other edible plants. Weed killers containing glyphosate will more than likely advise that the area is ready for replanting as soon as the weeds are dead, but it must be remembered that this it not the case for all herbicides so it is always best to check the label.

Safety Issues

Although most herbicides sold for use in domestic gardens are relatively safe to use there are still a number of safety precautions you should adhere to when using any garden chemicals. Not only should you always read the instructions, store things correctly and use the right quantities but you should also consider wearing the right clothing, weather conditions and disposal of the product in question.

It should never be forgotten that weed killer is a potentially harmful piece of gardening equipment thanks to the many chemicals and toxins it will contain. For this reason, application of weed killer should be taken seriously in order to ensure that no harm comes to you or other desired garden plants during the treatment. You should always wear protective clothing such as gloves when handling any dangerous substances.

When it comes to using weed killers that require a spray application you may want to wait for a day when the weather conditions are suitable. Windy days, for example, are not a good idea as the wind is likely to carry the substance particles onto garden plants you do not wish to kill or even backwards towards you where you will run the risk of inhaling the chemicals or risk skin exposure.

Another thing to consider when using spray applicators is the condition of your garden equipment such as the nozzles and hoses used to apply the weed killer. Should this equipment spring a leak other areas of your garden may be left exposed. On a similar note, washing your equipment thoroughly after spraying will ensure that no residue will be left to cause any harm.

It is probably also wise to ensure that children and animals are kept inside whilst applying weed killer although most are perfectly safe an hour or two after application. It is also advisable to dispose of any containers that have come into contact with a toxic substance correctly with any leftover weed killer being applied to the area where you used it as it is illegal to throw it down to drain.

Keep Other Garden Plants Safe

When using a herbicide it is necessary to not only consider your own personal safety but the safety of the surrounding garden plants. Whilst using a spray to apply the substance is much quicker than contact application the likelihood is that you are running the risk of treating plants you wish to keep.

One way to combat this is to set your spray nozzle to a narrow jet setting as this will allow you to target a specific weed. Changing the setting to a mist will allow you to treat a much larger area where harming surrounding foliage is not an issue. Another way to avoid this happening is to protect desired plants with a cardboard box or cover whilst spraying.

Another thing to consider is what to do when spraying weeds near vegetables and other edible plants. In this instance you will need to pay special attention to any instructions regarding the time between treatment and harvesting to avoid any nasty cases of poisoning when the crop is eaten.

Be Patient

After using weed killer, all you need to do it sit back and be patient. Although many herbicides can take a few weeks if not months to fully eradicate the weeds completely, there are several products on the market that can provide quicker results and some can take effect in as little as three hours. It is important to remember that in the event of re-growth becoming apparent then you may have to re-apply the product.