Will Weed and Grass Killer Kill Trees and Plants?

Weed and grass killer products are very effective at eradicating unwanted vegetation from lawns and gardens. Many people wonder whether they will also harm trees and plants. The answer is not straightforward, as different types of weed killers can have different effects on trees and plants. It is important to understand the factors that determine whether a particular weed killer product will be harmful to your plants.

How Weed and Grass Killers Work

Weed and grass killers contain chemicals that are designed to kill specific types of plants. The most common type of weed killer is glyphosate, which is a non-selective herbicide. This means that it can kill any plant it comes into contact with. Other active ingredients in weed killers include dicamba, 2,4-D, and triclopyr, which are selective herbicides that target certain types of weeds but are less harmful to other plants when applied correctly.

Factors That Determine Harm to Plants

Several factors determine whether a particular weed killer will harm your plants. The first factor is the type of weed killer you use. As mentioned earlier, non-selective herbicides like glyphosate will kill any plant they come into contact with, including trees and other plants. Selective herbicides like dicamba and 2,4-D are less harmful to trees and other plants when applied correctly.

The second factor is the application method. The most common application methods for weed killers are spraying and spot-treatment. Spraying involves covering a wide area, while spot-treatment targets individual weeds or plants. If you are using a non-selective herbicide like glyphosate, spraying can be very harmful to trees and other plants, since the chemical can drift onto nearby foliage or be absorbed by roots. Spot-treatment is a safer option as it minimizes contact with other plants.

The third factor is timing. Applying weed killer at the wrong time can be harmful to your plants, especially trees. If you apply weed killer during the growing season, the chemical can be absorbed by the leaves and transported to other parts of the plant, including the roots, where it can cause damage. To avoid this, it is best to apply weed killer during the dormant season when trees and other plants are not growing actively.

Precautions to Take

If you are concerned about the effects of weed killer on your trees and plants, there are some precautions you can take to minimize the risk. Firstly, read the label of the product carefully to ensure that it is appropriate for your plants. If you are not sure, consult a professional gardener or horticulturist for advice.

Secondly, use a spot-treatment method rather than spraying to minimize the risk of the chemical drifting onto other plants. You can also invest in a spray shield or a windbreak to reduce the risk of spray drift. Lastly, avoid applying weed killer during the growing season and only use it during the dormant season when trees and other plants are not actively growing.

Conclusion

In conclusion, weed and grass killers can be harmful to trees and plants, depending on the type of herbicide, the application method and timing. Non-selective herbicides like glyphosate are more likely to cause damage than selective herbicides like dicamba and 2,4-D. Applying weed killer during the dormant season and using spot-treatment methods can also minimize the risk of harm to trees and plants. By taking these precautions, you can safely eradicate unwanted weeds and grass from your lawn and garden without harming your trees and plants.