I’d like to take a moment to talk to you about weeds.
No, I’m not referring to the US dark comedy-drama of the same name, but the pesky unwanted vegetation that aggressively grows where we don’t want it to.
A plant that’s in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Words to describe such plants include valueless, undesirable, and troublesome – particularly when they suffocate our cultivated blooms or create an eyesore when protruding through stone or brickwork.
Like when they ruin the aesthetic of our driveways.
Well, enough is enough – let’s try to find the best weed killer for driveways once and for all.
Below you’ll find a selection of detailed reviews, with a buyer’s guide and FAQ section to follow.
Let’s murder some weeds.
Contents
- 12 Best Grass and Weed Killer for Driveways 2024
- Spectracide Weed & Grass Killer Concentrate
- Roundup Weed & Grass Killer Concentrate Plus
- Spectracide Weed & Grass Killer Concentrate
- Ortho Groundclear Weed & Grass Killer
- Roundup Weed & Grass Killer III
- Compare-N-Save Concentrate Weed Killer
- Southern Ag Crossbow32 Weed & Brush Killer
- BioAdvanced DuraZone Weed & Grass Killer
- Green Gobbler Vinegar Weed & Grass Killer
- RM43 Glyphosate Plus Weed Preventer
- Roundup Weed & Grass Killer Super Concentrate
- Ortho GroundClear Vegetation Killer Concentrate
- How to Choose the Best Weed Killer for Driveways
- FAQs
- What is a weed killer?
- How do I permanently get rid of weeds on my driveway?
- Will straight vinegar kill weeds?
- Will bleach kill weeds in my driveway?
- How do I get rid of weeds in my gravel driveway?
- How do I get rid of weeds in my driveway naturally?
- How often do I need to apply the weed killer for driveways?
- What safety precautions should I take for using weed killers?
- What is the best weed killer for stone driveways?
- Summary
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12 Best Grass and Weed Killer for Driveways 2024
Spectracide Weed & Grass Killer Concentrate
Leading weed killer brand Spectracide starts us off here with 64 fluid ounces of concentrate (although available in various sizes) for use on driveways and walkways, around fences, trees, flower beds, shrubs and other areas in your yard.
It has a fast-acting formula so you can see results inside three hours, and it is rainproof inside 15 minutes – ensuring that it will not wash away or diminish in effectiveness should the heavens open.
Ideal for use with a tank sprayer – you can cover the large area of your driveway with ease and get it cleared of unwanted weeds in no time.
Pros
- Great price.
- Highly rated.
- Versatile.
- Fast-acting.
- Prevents regrowth for three months.
Cons
- Not as effective on more stubborn weeds.
Conclusion
An excellent weed killer for driveways that can be used around the home to tackle all your unwanted vegetation. It’s very potent – so be careful if using it near desirable flowers and plants.
Roundup Weed & Grass Killer Concentrate Plus
Spectracide’s closest rival is Roundup – a household name when it comes to weed killing.
This is their Concentrate Plus product, which is also available in a variety of sizes depending on the size of your job and how much you’re going to need.
For use diluted with water in a tank sprayer, Roundup claims to kill the toughest weeds and grasses to the root and is rainproof within 30 minutes. For use all around the home – including patios, walkways, driveways, and gravel areas, you’ll see visible results within 12 hours with the FastAct technology.
Great for use on large areas, this is a potent formula that requires careful use.
Pros
- Economical.
- Very highly rated.
- Well-known brand.
- Versatile use.
Cons
- It’s received some bad press over its active ingredient – glyphosate.
Conclusion
A quality weed killer that gets the job done as it’s extremely potent and will pretty much kill any vegetation it comes into contact with.
The recent carcinogenic lawsuits are inconclusive – but it’s a chemical – so you should be using it with caution anyway.
Spectracide Weed & Grass Killer Concentrate
This is another potent weed and grass killer for your driveway from Spectracide. Very similar to their previous product in this review, this time it has the bonus of incorporating an extended control formula – so the dead weeds and grass will not return for up to five months.
You can mix with water and apply the concentrate with a tank sprayer to cover the most ground, meaning that it’s ideal for your large driveway, patios, or other brickwork and walkways as you completely spray the leaves of the target vegetation.
Again, with visible results inside three hours, this is a fast-acting product that will kill right to the root.
Pros
- Long-lasting effectiveness.
- Rainproof in 15 minutes.
- Fast-acting.
- Great for large areas.
- Doesn’t contain glyphosate.
Cons
- Reports of a very bad odor with use.
Conclusion
For a long-lasting weed killer that should keep your driveway clear for up to five months, this could well be the product for you. The fact that Spectracide’s active ingredient isn’t involved in a lawsuit is a huge plus point, too.
Ortho Groundclear Weed & Grass Killer
Back to the liquid products now with this weed and grass killer from Groundclear. It comes in a ready-to-use system and will work on all types of weeds and grasses, and absorbs on contact to start working immediately and give you visible results within 15 minutes.
OMRI listed for organic use, it’s safe to use on patios, landscape beds, and vegetable gardens, and you apply it directly to the weeds to kill them off.
Upon drying, it’s rainproof in two hours, so make sure you’re applying it well before the clouds are gathering. The bottle even comes with the applicator so you’re can get clearing those troublesome spots right out of the gate.
Pros
- Fast acting.
- Accurate targeting.
- Easy-to-use.
- Choice of spray patterns.
Cons
- Takes a while to be rain proof.
Conclusion
A handy, ready-to-use spray system with a product that isn’t as toxic as others on the market – but will still get you decent results. Check out this article if you’re looking for more of the best pet safe weed killers on the market.
Roundup Weed & Grass Killer III
Another Roundup product features now with this ready-to-use weed and grass killer that comes in a pump sprayer bottle. It’s guaranteed to kill the toughest grasses and weeds right down to the root, with a convenient, no-mix formula that will get to work right away.
For use in and around vegetable gardens, flower beds, tree rings, and mulched beds, as well as on cracks in driveways, walkways, and patios, this is one of the highest-rated weed killers on the market, and it will be rainproof inside 10 minutes, offering visible results within three hours of the first application.
It’s also available in a trigger spray, comfort wand, or sure-shot applicator, so you have a number of choices when it comes to delivering the product where it’s required.
Pros
- Multi-use.
- Versatile dispensing systems.
- Very potent.
- Fast acting.
Cons
- Again, some questions over the active ingredient.
Conclusion
If you’re happy taking the precautions and continuing to use Roundup, it’s probably the best grass and weed killer for driveways there is.
Compare-N-Save Concentrate Weed Killer
This is a hugely popular and highly rated weed killer from Compare-N-Save, which can cover over 25000 square feet from one container if mixed with the right quantity of water, to make roughly 85 gallons of weed killer.
So, there’s plenty of product here at your disposal to cover even the largest of driveways. After application, it will be rainproof within two hours, with visible results in two to four days.
It will kill right to the root with the active ingredient traveling through the leaves of the plant to ensure your driveways and walkways remain weed-free.
Pros
- Long-lasting product.
- Potent formula.
- Post-emergent herbicide.
Cons
- High concentrate of glyphosate – the same compound that’s causing Roundup problems.
Conclusion
A highly-effective solution to all your weed and unwanted grass problems, this is a top-rated weed killer that will stretch a long way to cover large areas. Easy-to-mix with water, it’s one of the best weed killers for gravel driveways out there.
Southern Ag Crossbow32 Weed & Brush Killer
With an active ingredient of triclopyr, this heavy-duty weed killer is known to be very harmful to brush weeds and other broadleaf nuisance plants.
It will kill off most unwanted trees and bushes and is suitable for use on non-crop areas, so ideal if you have larger weeds trying to push through brickwork, driveways or patios. Don’t use it near timber products though – so keep it away from decking.
It’s versatile, and can be applied using a number of different methods – so choose which one works best for you. It’s rainproof around two hours after application and is safe for the environment and any pets you might have wandering around.
Pros
- Very potent formula.
- Kills a wide range of species.
- Highly rated.
- Easy-to-mix and use.
- Heavy-duty.
Cons
- Can take a little longer to work than others.
- Strong chemical odor.
Conclusion
If you’re looking to attack denser brush and broadleaf weeds around your driveway and property, then this is probably your best bet. The active ingredients are known for targeting the likes of bushes and brambles, but it will kill desirable plants and grass so be careful where you aim it.
BioAdvanced DuraZone Weed & Grass Killer
This weed and grass killer from BioAdvanced is designed for use in multiple areas around your home, so you can keep unwanted plants at bay on driveways, sidewalks, patios, along fences and foundations, and around walkways and mulched areas.
This particular product is a ready-to-use formula with a battery-operated spray system that can treat up to 650 square feet. It’s also available in a choice of sizes as well as a trigger applicator and concentrate, so you can choose the one that’s right for you and your situation.
Prevent new weeds and grass from emerging by attacking them with this non-selective herbicide, and it will keep treated spaces clear of all types of unwanted foliage for up to six months.
Pros
- Versatile use.
- Contoured sprayer included (with this product).
- Non-selective.
- Fast acting.
Cons
- Not as potent as more powerful products.
Conclusion
While it might not have the strength of the heavy-duty weed killers, this still packs a punch and should kill most unwanted growths poking through your driveways, patios, and walkways.
Green Gobbler Vinegar Weed & Grass Killer
In this case, the aptly named “green gobbler” isn’t Hulk’s girlfriend, but rather an organic weed and grass killer that uses a strong vinegar solution to remove those troublesome plants around your property.
It’s a very highly rated compound, with the huge advantage of being safe to use anywhere and non-toxic for pets and humans. Certified for organic use, you can expect good results within 24 hours with this OMRI-listed product.
It’s 20% stronger than traditional table vinegar (so don’t add it to your salad) but with all the fuss around certain weed killers potentially causing cancer, it’s clearly been a bit of a boon for products like this one.
It’s even available in several sizes right up to a 275-gallon tote – so you should have plenty of the stuff to do the job even if your driveway is that of a stately home.
Pros
- Easy-to-use.
- Organic formula.
- Safe and non-toxic.
- Glyphosate-free.
- Kills most nuisance weeds.
Cons
- Very strong vinegar smell – obviously.
- Isn’t that fast, and repeat applications may be required.
Conclusion
For a non-toxic solution when it comes to killing unwanted weeds, this is probably the best weed killer for brick driveways there is. It might not be quite as powerful as the Hulk – but you’re in a safe pair of hands nonetheless.
RM43 Glyphosate Plus Weed Preventer
This high percentage of glyphosate weed preventer is ideal for use on fence rows, gravel paths, sidewalks, driveways, parking areas and around farm buildings and barns.
As well as being extremely potent in killing all kinds of weeds, grass, and broadleaf vegetation, it’s also an effective stump killer – so you can remove unwanted tree stumps with ease after a dose of this chemical into pre-drilled holes in the stump.
Apply it liberally to locations where no further growth is required, and you’ll be weed-free for up to one year. Aside from this, it can also be used to spot-control existing weeds and unwanted foliage around your property.
See our article on the best stump killers if you need to take care of that problem.
Pros
- Professional grade weed killer.
- Large coverage and range.
- Year-long protection.
- Versatile application.
- Very highly rated.
Cons
- Contains glyphosate.
- Will kill just about anything – use with caution.
Conclusion
A powerful multi-use weed killer that the pros use. Likely to kill just about any plant it comes into contact with. Just make sure you take the proper precautions during use.
Roundup Weed & Grass Killer Super Concentrate
Our penultimate review is another Roundup weed killer that’s in concentrate form, their best product for attacking weeds over larger areas – and ideal for your driveway, patios, and walkways.
For use in tank sprayers (which are sold separately) you simply dilute 2.5 fluid ounces of the product with one gallon of water and you’re away.
It’s fully rainproof within 30 minutes, and you’ll start to see results inside two to four days. Of course, you can use it neat and it will be more potent but won’t go nearly as far.
Kills right to the root, so they won’t come back. Roundup Concentrate Plus is also available for a stronger, faster-acting weed killer, although you can’t use it around vegetable gardens.
Pros
- Value for money.
- Wide coverage.
- Potent formula.
- Versatile use around your property.
Cons
- Contains glyphosate.
- Tank sprayer/dedicated watering can required.
Conclusion
Powerful and potent, with the ability to cover a wide area, this is another quality weed killer in the Roundup range and a great option for use on large driveways.
Ortho GroundClear Vegetation Killer Concentrate
With a smaller percentage of glyphosate, this vegetation killer from Ortho will keep anyone concerned about its potential human effects happy.
It’s still a powerful product and will banish unwanted vegetation from driveways, walkways, patios, fence rows and other areas around your property away for up to a year.
You’ll see visible results within a few hours after you mix it with water and apply using a watering can or tank sprayer. Remember to only ever use that watering can for weed killer once it’s been contaminated.
You get two gallons of the weed killer for your money, which means it will go a long way and keep you covered wherever unwanted foliage resides.
Pros
- Great value for money.
- Potent formula.
- Good coverage.
Cons
- Tank sprayer/watering can required.
Conclusion
A large weed killing job requires a lot of weed killer, and this product from Ortho provides that, so you can clear your property of pesky, unwanted vegetation for up to one year.
How to Choose the Best Weed Killer for Driveways
With almost as many types of weed killer products flooding the market as there are weeds taking over your driveway, it can be a real challenge choosing the right one.
Read on for more information about what to look for when selecting the best weed killer for your needs.
Active Ingredients and Brand Names
Depending on the type of weed or plant you want to kill or target, herbicides come with different active ingredients to get the job done.
Before making your purchase of weed killer, you should know what the product contains, and if it will be successful in destroying the particular species of weed you’re trying to deal with.
Or in destroying everything else.
To help with the jargon-busting, all these scientific-sounding chemicals have brand names, and you should familiarize yourself with the commercially available versions so you know which is which.
While it would take several pages to include them all, take a look at this very useful document that lists the main herbicides, their trade names, and target weed species.
Note that the list isn’t exhaustive.
Selectivity
The ingredient’s selectivity is also very important to take into consideration, so you understand which plants it will or will not affect.
This could be the difference between leaving a rampant patch of crabgrass totally unscathed while murdering your prized cauliflowers.
Selective herbicides control certain plants without having any impact on others. These herbicides are best used when you need to target foliage close to desired vegetation.
Non-selective herbicides will attack any plant life they come into contact with. They are more suitable for clearing larger areas where you don’t need to be so precise.
Method of Application
You should also be considering how the weed killer is going to be applied and then purchase the correct product as a result.
You’ll have a series of options that I’ve outlined below.
Ready-to-use trigger applicator – a gun-style spray bottle that contains weed killer that doesn’t need to be mixed, and can be applied directly onto the leaf.
Ready-to-use battery-powered spray – the bottle comes with its own spray attachment that contains batteries. You remove a plastic guard to activate the power cells to use the product.
Ready-to-use pump applicator – a larger container for wider coverage that you manually pump to spray the liquid where required.
Concentrate – a more potent concoction of the weed killer that can be used neat for extra strength, or diluted with water for larger areas and more coverage.
Granules – weed killer in powder or granule form that can be applied directly and/or then activated by dousing the area in water.
Special applicators are sold separately, so you can simply purchase a refill bottle of product for use with a separate applicator.
How and when you apply a weed killer will greatly affect how successful it will be.
Timing of Application/Emergence
Herbicides can generally be applied at three distinct times throughout the emergence of unwanted vegetation.
Preplant herbicides are applied to the soil before planting any desirable crop. They are non-selective and designed to kill weeds before they grow. Prevention is better than cure, but not always possible with existing paved driveways.
Pre-emergent herbicides are applied before germination – before the weed seedlings appear through the soil surface. They’re designed to kill weeds as they grow.
Post-emergent herbicides are applied directly to the leaves of the unwanted vegetation after they have appeared through the soil. They make their way through the plant to kill it at the root.
The type weed killer you select when it comes to emergence will depend on the type of weeds you’re dealing with and where.
For the most part, the best weed killers for driveways will be post-emergent herbicides, as the weeds will likely already have sprouted through the cracks.
Quantity
Driveways are usually quite large areas, so depending on the size of your weed problem, you should purchase the right quantity of weed killer to do the job.
If you just have one or two growths peaking up through the surface, consider a ready-to-use trigger product for quick and easy, targeted application.
Whereas if you’re being overrun by nature, look into getting a concentrate, so you can mix it with water for large coverage.
Remember that there is a high chance weeds will come back, so it’s well worth having a stock of weed killing products available as and when it’s required.
Persistence/Residual Activity
Another important factor to consider when selecting your chosen weed killer is its persistence – how long it’s going to remain active for in the soil.
A herbicide that has low residual activity (if it is neutralized within a few months) is ideal if you would like to eventually plant a desired crop in the area, or encourage wanted growth.
Herbicides with high residual activity (long-lasting formulas designed to keep the area vegetation-free for up to a year) are more suitable for areas where you don’t want anything coming back.
For driveways, therefore, herbicides with a high residual activity/persistence are recommended.
However, be careful if you have a gravel driveway, as herbicides with a high persistence can easily get washed into areas of desired plants when it rains.
FAQs
What is a weed killer?
In this context, a weed killer is a commercially available herbicide that is designed to destroy unwanted plant growth on and around your home.
They vary in strength, persistence, and application timing – so these factors should be taking into consideration before choosing the product that’s right for you.
In some situations, depending on the area you need to cover, for example, you might want to be looking at commercial weed killers, which will make the job easier.
How do I permanently get rid of weeds on my driveway?
There are a number of ways to accomplish this, and it’s often best to try several tactics for the best results.
Treating the area with herbicides, manually pulling up the weeds, and filling in any gaps or cracks will all help in your battle to control weeds in your driveway.
Check out the video below for some great advice on how to keep weeds from returning in sidewalks and driveway cracks.
Will straight vinegar kill weeds?
Unless it’s a specially formulated concentrated vinegar – no, it won’t kill weeds. They will just end up shriveling a little.
For better results, you need to use something stronger.
Will bleach kill weeds in my driveway?
Perhaps smaller weeds, yes, but for anything particularly intrusive or larger, invasive species its effect will be negligible and you will quite literally be pouring money down the drain.
How do I get rid of weeds in my gravel driveway?
You need a fast-acting weed killer that contains glyphosate to attack the weed at the root – but with a shorter persistence (it doesn’t remain in the soil for longer than a couple of months).
Alternately, if you don’t want to use a chemical, you can weed the area by hand – just make sure you dig them right up from the roots.
Or, you could resort to using one of the best commercial weed eaters – if you’re happy just trimming them back every so often.
And check out this post on edgers vs trimmers to see which one might be right for you in the battle to keep nature at bay.
How do I get rid of weeds in my driveway naturally?
As mentioned above, you could weed the area by hand – which is really the only effective natural way to get rid of weeds on your driveway.
You might try any one of the several concoctions of household items that are out there (recipes are plentiful on the internet) and they all have varying degrees of success – but by and large, they don’t work and manual removal is the best way.
You might find some more advice in this article on lawn care without chemicals if you’re dead set on not using anything harsh on your driveway.
How often do I need to apply the weed killer for driveways?
It depends on the type of weed killer and the weeds you’re trying to kill.
Some can be particularly stubborn and require repeat applications. It will also depend on how potent you make your weed killer if you’re mixing it with water.
Always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions to get the best possible result in the shortest amount of time with the fewest applications.
And research the type of weeds if you really want to arm yourself with the best knowledge in how to defeat them.
Check out this article if you’re struggling with Bermuda grass for example – which can be a real nuisance around the home where it’s unwanted.
What safety precautions should I take for using weed killers?
Whenever using chemicals of any kind you should always take safety precautions. This is especially true when dispensing herbicides.
First, never apply the weed killer during windy or rainy weather. Always wait for a warm, clear day to avoid the chemical from traveling to unwanted areas.
I would recommend wearing good quality gloves for the project. You could try a pair of these great landscaping gloves which are ideal for multi-use gardening purposes around your property.
However, for stronger chemicals, it might be wise to look at more heavy-duty protection.
Keep yourself covered up with a long-sleeved shirt and pants. Wear close-toed shoes when using any chemicals.
I would seriously consider eye and respiratory protection, too. While it might seem like overkill for spraying a lone dandelion, if you’re using a tank system or covering large areas it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Especially if you’re using anything that’s particularly potent, and at the end of the day – the smell can be awful.
Finally, always make sure children and pets are kept well away for the whole weed-killing process.
What is the best weed killer for stone driveways?
I would say that all the weed killers in this review are perfectly suitable for use on your stone driveway, but finding the best one might be down to a bit of trial and error.
It will come down to the type of weeds you’re trying to kill and the area you’re covering. In some cases, the best weed killer might simply be yourself with a weeding trowel or hook.
Read through the reviews carefully, and you should find the perfect solution for you.
Summary
I hope this article has gone some way to helping you find the best weed killer for driveways that will suit your needs.
It’s certainly a saturated market and choosing the right one isn’t a straightforward as you might think.
Personally, I’d like to try the Green Gobbler. For weeds, that is.
I like the fact that it’s non-toxic and safe to use, it’s value for money and appears to have a lot of solid reviews confirming that it works.
And it’s certainly a nice alternative to anything that could turn into a potential lawsuit.
Let me know which product you would choose and why.
Happy weed killing!