What’s The Best Weed Killer for Driveways? Top 10 Revealed

a weed on the wall and best weed killer for driveways

Though we may love nature, we also want to control it. Perhaps it is an age-old instinct we can’t do anything about. It would be great to just let nature roam free but that just isn’t realistic when it comes to our living spaces. It seems weeds are a never-ending problem, and not just in the garden. Weeds can crop up anywhere, including our driveways. Many years ago your driveway may have been perfectly smooth and paved, but perhaps nature is now running her course. You need to find the best weed killer for driveways—and fast.

Our review runs the gamut, from weed prevention to weed killer. Read on to learn our choices for the best weed killer for driveways and find the one that will work best for you and your needs.

Best Weed Killer for Driveways Comparison Table

What We Reviewed

  • BioAdvanced 704140A All-in-One Lawn Weed & Crabgrass Killer
  • Scotts Halts Crabgrass & Grassy Weed Preventer
  • Preen Garden Weed Preventer
  • Southern Ag CROSSBOW32 Brush Killer
  • Compare-N-Save Concentrate Grass and Weed Killer
  • PBI/Gordon 652400 Speed Zone Lawn Weed Killer
  • BioAdvanced Brush Killer 704655A Triclopyr
  • Ortho GroundClear Vegetation Killer
  • Roundup Ready to Use Weed and Grass Killer
  • Espoma Organic Weed Preventer

BioAdvanced 704140A All-in-One Lawn Weed & Crabgrass Killer

BioAdvanced All-In-One Lawn Weed and Crabgrass Killer I, Concentrate, 40 oz
  • All-in-one formula: BioAdvanced's all-in-one formula kills listed lawn weeds and crabgrass without harming the lawn
  • Weed killer: kills over 200 listed broadleaf weeds like dandelion and clover PLUS crabgrass
  • Root killer: kills even the toughest weeds to the root
  • Rainproof protection: systemic rainproof in 1 hour
  • Allows for hose-end sprayer application

Features

Key features of this product include an all-in-one concentrate that will kill both lawn weeds and crabgrass without harming lawn grass. It kills over 200 of the most commonly found broadleaf weeds such as clovers and dandelions. This best weed killer for driveways is rainproof for one hour after application.

For best results, do not use this product to kill the weeds in your driveway on days hotter than 90 degrees.

Pros

  • Comes in five convenient sizes
  • Effective killer of crabgrass if applied properly in the afternoon
  • Convenient all-in-one formula
  • Cost-effective
  • Can easily handle killing driveway weeds: dilute, put in a sprayer, and spray away

Cons

  • You must apply this product multiple times for it to be effective
  • Some reviewers could not get it to kill crabgrass completely

Scotts Halts Crabgrass & Grassy Weed Preventer

Features

One application of this product in the early spring prevents crabgrass and grassy weeds from invading your lawn and driveway. After you apply this preventative product, you do not have to worry about the seasons and elements reducing its performance. To prevent moss, apply the Crabgrass & Grassy Weed Preventer in the fall.

Besides this product, you will also need to purchase a spreader if you don’t have one to ensure this best weed killer for driveways is spread evenly on the grass around your driveway

Pros

  • A pre-emergent product that focuses on solving the problem before it “sprouts”
  • A more elegant solution to crabgrass since it is very difficult to control once it has grown
  • Not to be used more than twice a year
  • Scotts has been a trusted brand since 1868

Cons

  • This product will NOT kill existing crabgrass; it will only prevent it from growing
  • Cannot kill the weeds in your driveway; can only prevent them
  • 3x price jump from the 5000 sq ft container to the 10,000 sq foot container

Preen Garden Weed Preventer

Preen 2464107 24-63798 Weed Preventer, 13 lb. Covers 2,080 sq. ft, yellow
  • Stop weeds before they start for up to 3 months guaranteed
  • Safe for use around over 200 established flowers, vegetables, trees and shrubs
  • Apply anytime in spring, summer or fall
  • Not for use on lawns
  • Weed preventer does not kill existing weeds

Features

Key features of this product include prevention of weeds for up to 3 months after application. This product is rated safe for use around over 200 species of flowers, vegetables, trees, and shrubs so you don’t have to worry as much about doing harm to your garden. Now you will not have to spend time pulling weeds out of your driveway. Though it is not quite the best weed killer for driveways, we rate it as one of the best weed preventers for driveways. Preen works by preventing weeds from rooting. It will not kill weeds you already have.

To apply Preen, first, remove any existing weeds by the root with a clean slate. Second, add a three-inch layer of mulch on top of the area. Mulch helps kill weed seeds as well because it prevents them from getting sunlight. Third, sprinkle Preen on top of the layer of mulch. The 16-lb box comes with a shaker scoop which helps shake out the Pren at the correct rate.

Fourth, after applying Preen, water it within two days. The Preen will fuse with the soil particles to create a barrier that will prevent weed seeds from forming roots. Preen will not wash away, build up in the soil, or get into the groundwater. It is solidly bonded with the soil.

Pros

  • Invisible barrier against weeds
  • Handy shaker scoop
  • Will not harm flowering plants over 2-3 inches tall
  • Can be applied anytime in the growing season
  • Effective

Cons

  • Needs to be reapplied every 12 weeks
  • Won’t help kill driveway weeds; will only help prevent them

Southern Ag CROSSBOW32 Brush Killer

Southern Ag Crossbow Specialty Herbicide Low Volatile Weed & Brush Herbicide, 32oz -Quart
  • Size: 1 Quart
  • Controls most unwanted trees and brush.
  • Use on rangeland, grass pastures, non-crop areas.
  • CONTAINS: 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, butoxyethyl ester, Triclopyr
  • For large quantity discount consideration or to request a mixed multi-pack, please message us.

Features

Crossbow Herbicide from Southern Ag is reportedly very good at killing pesky and invasive species of trees, brush, and brambles. This product comes in concentrate form; look under the label for mixing instructions. This is a heavy hitter and a solid contender for the best weed killer for driveways.

Pros

  • Very effective herbicide that will decimate hard-to-kill bushes such as blackberry bushes
  • Easy mixing instructions
  • Good for use in spring and fall
  • Can definitely do the job on driveway weeds
  • Cost-effective

Cons

  • Not great for summer use; kills surrounding grass too
  • May be overkill for simple weed killing
  • Product is petroleum-based and you need to constantly shake it while applying
  • Item can only be shipped via ground shipping because of federal regulations

Compare-N-Save Concentrate Grass and Weed Killer

Compare-N-Save 75324 Herbicide, 1-gallon, white
  • 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

Features

In comparison, the features of this Concentrate Grass and Weed Killer are simple. It kills the plants it touches all the way to the root. This makes it a top choice for the job of best weed killer for driveways. One container mixed with water will make up to 10 gallons of spray solution for an area of up to 3,000 square feet, though for a driveway, you probably won’t need that much.

Mix 1.5 ounces of the solution in one gallon of water for general weed control. Problem solved.

Pros

  • Simple and well-suited to the task at hand of killing weeds in driveways
  • A post-emergent herbicide, meaning it does not affect future regrowth
  • One gallon can cover 300 square feet
  • Good for small spaces, like driveways, along fences, and around vegetable gardens

Cons

  • Not great if you still want to keep your grass; kills everything it touches without 
  • Generic version of Monsanto’s Roundup that is 41% glyphosate as opposed to 1%—MUST dilute
  • Monsanto has been sued and lost over their trademarked version of this product for its harmfulness to health
  • Only use on calm days with little or no wind

PBI/Gordon 652400 Speed Zone Lawn Weed Killer

Gordon’s SpeedZone Lawn Weed Killer, 20 Ounces, 652400
  • Visible results in hours - Reseed in just two weeks
  • Covers from 14,000 to 18,000 square feet - perfect for large property owners
  • Rapid and effective weed control for common and troublesome weed species in turfgrass
  • Does not harm lawn grasses - Cool Weather Performance
  • RESTRICTED: This product can NOT be shipped to the following states: AK, DC, MA, NJ,VT.

Features

Key features of this product include the fact that this concentrate lawn weed killer can handle lawns of up to 18,000 square feet. If you are in Arkansas, Washington Dc, Massachusetts, New Jersey, or Vermont, don’t think about ordering this item because it is restricted in these states. This is a top performer when it comes to killing weed species in turfgrass. It works well and contains 26% ester among other active ingredients.

Pros

  • Mix with liquid soap and vegetable oil, spray, and watch weeds disappear in a farmer time-tested tradition
  • An ounce of concentrate makes a gallon of spray
  • Long-lasting
  • Effective

Cons

  • Potent; be careful when applying and wear safety equipment
  • From concentrate so dilute correctly
  • Overkill for driveway use; intended for large yards
  • Restricted in certain states

BioAdvanced Brush Killer Plus

BioAdvanced 704655A Triclopyr Kills Kudzu, Poison Ivy and Other Tough Brush Killer Plus Non-Selective Weed Grass Control, 1-Gallon, Ready-to-Use
  • SPECIAL FORMULA: Special penetrating formula, kills even the toughest plants down to the root
  • BRUSH KILLER: Kills Kudzu, Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, Blackberry, Bramble, and over 70 other types of weeds and brush
  • RESULTS: Start seeing visual results in 1 - 6 weeks
  • RAINPROOF PROTECTION: Rainproof in 4 hours
  • USE ON: Use around homes, buildings, fences, walkways, and more

Features

Key features of this product include a ready-to-use solution with a nested sprayer, which means that unlike many of our other best weed killers for driveways contenders, this one requires no mixing. This convenient product kills over 75 plants down to the roots. You can also kill stumps with this product by brushing over it completely with a paintbrush. It kills tough brush such as poison ivy and poison oak without even so much as a look back to say sorry.

Pros

  • Kills hard to kill brush plants down to the roof
  • Nested sprayer nozzle means no mixing

Cons

  • Target weeds must be leafed out for this product to be effective
  • Sprayer nozzle has malfunctioned for some customers

Ortho GroundClear Vegetation Killer

Ortho GroundClear Vegetation Killer Concentrate, 1-Gallon
  • Kills weeds and prevents new growth for up to 1 year
  • Kills unwanted vegetation from driveways, walkways, patios, fence rows and other areas for up to a year
  • Visible results in hours
  • Fast-acting
  • Easy to apply with a sprinkling can or a tank sprayer

Features

This “vegetation killer” makes its intentions clear just from the name. It will kill any unwanted vegetation, meaning plants, from your driveway. And not only that, but it will also prevent any new growth for up to one year. For using the concentrate product, mix with water as directed and apply to the desired area using a sprinkling can. It is best applied when it is dry and when it won’t rain for 2-3 days after application.

Pros

  • Kills everything
  • Easy to apply
  • Restricts new growth for one year

Cons

  • Be careful when mixing concentrated liquid
  • Be careful when applying as it is very effective

Roundup Ready to Use Weed and Grass Killer

Roundup Ready-To-Use Weed & Grass Killer III -- with Sure Shot Wand, Use in & Around Vegetable Gardens, Tree Rings, Flower Beds, Patios & More, Kills to the Root, 1.33 gal.
  • Kills existing weeds and grass to the root--guaranteed (Consumer Guarantee: 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)
  • Protective Shield fits over weeds to contain spray and help protect desirable plants
  • Use in and around vegetable gardens, flower beds, tree rings and mulched beds, as well as on cracks in driveways, walkways and patios
  • Rainproof in 10 minutes
  • Visible results in 3 hours

Features

Key features of this product include a powerful product that kills weed and grass to the root. You will see visible results within three hours and it is rainproof after 10 minutes. This even comes with a product guarantee. The company will offer a full refund if you are not satisfied for any reason.

Pros

  • Included Protective Shield so you can use around flowers and other desirable plants
  • Rainproof quickly
  • No mixing required
  • Wand treats up to 400 square feet

Cons

  • Kills everything it touches
  • Very toxic; nearby plants could be affected despite shield
  • Included wand difficult to use
  • Monsanto has suffered and lost lawsuits over this toxic product

Espoma Organic Weed Preventer

Espoma Organic Weed Preventer-25 lb. CGP25, 25 lb
  • Made from corn gluten meal
  • Feeds lawns to ensure a deep, green color and prevents weeds by inhibiting root development in seedlings
  • Apply twice per year, early spring and fall
  • Granulated for easy application, Espoma Organic Weed Preventer provides long lasting nitrogen for a thicker, greener lawn
  • Children and pets can safely play on lawn after application.

Features

This last choice for the best weed killer for driveways is not actually a killer but a preventer. Espoma is made from corn gluten meal and prevents weeds by stopping root development in seedlings. This product also helps your yard look lush and green. This product is applied twice yearly in the spring and the fall. Best of all, because it is organic, children and pets can safely use the yard after application.

Pros

  • Effective
  • Makes yards look lush and green
  • Organic

Cons

  • Not a contact weed killer—PREVENTS them from forming during germination season
  • Apply a heavy layer for best results

Best Weed Killer for Driveways FAQ

1. What Is Weed Killer?

Weed killer is commercial herbicide. Some of these weed killers are contact-only, meaning they only kill what they come into contact with and allow for regrowth later. Others are residual, meaning they leave a residue in the soil which keeps weeds from growing for a long time.

2. How Can I Prevent Weeds from Growing in My Driveway?

There are a number of different methods available. If your driveway is concrete, you can fill the cracks in your driveway with a cement crack filler.

To prevent future weeds, you must pull the weeds in your driveway before they sprout seeds. When this happens, it is too late and they will spread to other areas. It is important to wipe down weeding and other gardening tools after each use. Weed seeds could hide on your tools and you could transport them from one place to another.

Before you turn to the herbicides on our list, you could also try salting the area. But keep in mind that in the places where you salt the earth nothing will grow, so be careful you do not salt anywhere where desirable plants are growing

3. How Many Applications Will It Take to Kill the Weeds with Weed Killer?

This is a fairly easy job for some products that can take on a lot more if need be. It should only take one application, but stubborn weeds may need several applications.

4. How Offen Do I Need to Apply the Best Weed Killer for Driveways?

Some products require application after 1 week while others only need it twice a year.

5. Where Can I Buy the Best Weed Killer for Driveways?

You can buy the best weed killer for driveways on Amazon. Bare in mind that some of these products are hazardous and have restrictions upon them, such as ground shipping only or are restricted by certain states.

How We Reviewed

The following products were reviewed based on the following parameters: Features, Pros & Cons, and Where to Buy. We also considered the suitability of each product for the specific task of killing weeds in driveways to decide the best weed killer for driveways.

The Verdict

We cannot recommend solely relying on the best weed killers for driveways. Salting and hand-pulling weeds are always a good first resort before breaking out highly chemicalized products

We love organic weed prevention products such as Epsoma’s Organic Weed Preventer that pose no health hazards and still get the same great results as the chemical options.

But if it is too late for your driveway and replanting and repaving is not an option, we recommend going with Ortho GroundClear Vegetation Killer for small spot jobs on your driveway. This stuff will get it done and get your driveway back into shape.

As we stated above, it is best to treat your driveway when it is hot and when it won’t rain for several days for the most successful application.

We cannot recommend Monsanto’s products as they have been shown to be extremely toxic to human health with repeated use. We cannot promote the generics of their products, either.

Last update on 2022-11-30 at 07:02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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