The ingredients dictate what type of weed killer it is, and often a combination of ingredients are used. The spray action on the bottle works well, and doesn’t feel too flimsy like it can on some products, and the top of the bottle is quite ergonomic so it fits comfortably in the hand. While perennial weeds such as the dreaded dandelion can be unaffected unless the root is pulled up, using one of the above methods should keep the rest of the weeds at bay. Is Roundup weed killer safe for pets? This is an important distinction to look for between weedkillers because it differs between brands. Some say to wait a certain length of time between applications for example 7 days, while others say to apply only once a year or every 3 months. The annual application is because, if you apply it more often, the active chemicals can build up in the soil and harm it. From my research and testing, I’ve learnt that one can use these pet-friendly weed killers on patios, driveways, paths, gravel, most other hard surfaces and also some flowerbeds.

The manufacturer even claims that LawnSafe is so pet-friendly that you can apply it frequently, up to a maximum of every three weeks. A Few Issues I Have With This Product (Could be a Deal Breaker) Killing your weeds is obviously not an exact science. A great deal depends on how you mix the weedkiller and the water, how you apply it, what the weather is on the day, what the weather is on the following day and how tough your weeds are. And all this is before you look at the quality of the weedkiller itself. Now, I’m not saying the spray gun on this product isn’t any good, it actually works quite well with a steady stream of the weed killer coming out at a comfortable rate. This spray gun is also more compact and makes holding and storing it easier. One of the best things about this weed killer is that it’s fairly simple to apply. There’s a ‘flexi spray’ that clips out of the body, with the pipe clipping to the lid. There’s two spray functions, a jet spray and a fine spray. You will need to touch the nozzle, so gloves are required. Dandelion, daisy, clover, cleavers, nightshade, bittercress, the list goes on and on. We have so many different types of weed to contend with in the UK that we always need a bottle or two of the best weed killer at hand but which ones that are safe for out pets. Best pet friendly weed killers that are safe

On the plus side, the fact that this product isn’t left in the ground means that the treated areas can be sown or planted again relatively soon after using the product. However, this isn’t smart if applying weed killer, as for them to be effective you have to correctly administer the right amount. Most weedkillers should be applied when the weeds are actively growing and have enough leaves to absorb the spray. Established perennial weeds should be treated at the start of their flowering period. Apply the solution on dry, windless days when no wet weather is forecast for the next few days. Use your weedkiller at the right time for the best results. How often should you use it?

This is a safe multi-use product but it really shows its worth when mixed as a weedkiller with salt and washing up liquid. I have been using this for years and although there is a little work in mixing it correctly, it is affordable and very effective at killing weeds.

Alternative Pet-Friendly Weed Killers

This common herbicide has been linked to health risks in humans and animals, though the scientific community is split on the issue, and it continues to be evaluated. The National Pesticide Information Center warns that glyphosate can be toxic if animals touch or eat plants that are covered in the chemical while still wet. The NPIC says if your pet ingests glyphosate, they can show signs of vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, or drowsiness. Residual weed killer is applied to the soil and prevent seeds from germinating. Whilst it stops weeds from growing, it also tends to stop any other plants from germinating as well. Residual weed killer is long lasting, remaining active in the ground for around 12 months. At DIY Gardening, we follow a detailed, rigorous process to create content that is helpful, factually correct and meets the highest standard of integrity. The name Roundup Fast Action Weed Killer Pump ‘N Go Ready To Use Spray explains most of the features of this weedkiller. It’s part of the line of Roundup Prevent and Protect garden products. Its fast action, in that Roundup, claims that the weeds show the first effects of the weedkiller in just one to two days. This is much faster than the claims of one to two weeks, or longer, made by other brands. This product kills annual and deep-rooted perennial weeds with just one application. I think we all agree that having the odd weed here and there is par for the course in the garden. However, those pesky plants can spread so rapidly, they easily have the potential to invade entire lawns and flowerbeds.

It seems to work best in hot, dry weather, and certainly shouldn’t be applied when rain is forecast for the same day; the longer the weed killer stays on the weeds, the more effective it will be. Glyphosate – kills the majority of plants, including perennial grasses, so it’s not one that you want to accidentally get on the lawn or flowerbed. It is effective at killing well-established weeds because it works from inside the weed itself. After being absorbed by the leaves and stalk of the weed, glyphosate spreads to the rest of the plant, including the roots. In recent years, it’s developed a reputation for being dangerous; however the jury is out on a definitive conclusion. Some studies have found it to be carcinogenic, whilst others consider it safe for humans to use as long as the instructions are followed. Glyphosate is also thought to negatively affect wildlife such as bees and aquatic life. It can stay in the soil for a long time as well. Use for homemade weedkiller so you know what’s exactly in it; see the description above for the recipe. Once left to dry, it is completely safe for your pets to come and play in the sprayed area, and in won’t damage your soil either. Roundup have designed this product to be degraded by micro-organisms in the soil and that will allow you to replant in the area in the future. I always take these claims with a inch of salt though, and I will wait for further testing before making my mind up on this matter. If you have a very mossy lawn, I recommend reading our detailed guide to removing and preventing lawn moss which contains excellent advice on how to stop lawn moss from returning. The ONE Issue I Have With This Type of Moss KillerThis is mainly to ensure they don’t get the product on their feet and transfer it to your lawn, accidentally killing the grass! Specification: Active ingredient: 100% natural (Glyphosate free) , Results In: Within 3 hours , Replant In: In 3 days Thing is, the really strong industrial style weed killers aren’t the safest of chemicals to be spraying around if you have kids or pets, and that is why I thought it’d be a good idea to review the best pet friendly weed killers that are safe for the garden use. Even some organic weed killers can contain things that aren’t 100% pet friendly, so you do really need to be careful and research the effects of any ingredients that you are unsure about. Generally speaking, though, large quantities of acetic acid or vinegar in a weed killer are a good sign that it is safe for pets, and chemicals like chloroform and glyphosate are ones to avoid.