Best weed killer in the UK in the 2022 | Reviews & Comparison
What is the best weed killer? This type of pest control solution is available in the form of a concentrate or a ready-to-use spray. By mode of action, weed killers are divided into residual and contact solutions. The former is a slow-acting weed killer, while the latter is a fast-acting one.
Residual weed killers affect the soil by inhibiting seed germination and shouldn’t be applied around edible plants. Contact weed killers are good for treating a limited area or specific weeds. The plant is killed upon contact with the solution, which has no tangible impact on the soil.
What Are the Most Efficient Ingredients in Weed Killers?
Herbicides, also known as weedkillers, are divided into selective and non-selective ones. Selective solutions target specific species of weeds and are considered to be safer for crops, while non-selective herbicides kill whatever they come in contact with.
Glyphosate is believed to be the most commonly used herbicide in landscape plantings due to its high efficiency. This is a systemic herbicide that travels from the foliage to the plant’s roots, killing both annual and perennial weeds.
This is the least toxic weed killer with little soil residual. When glyphosate is bound by clay particles, it becomes inactive. Therefore, you can safely use it around trees and shrubs as long as you spray directly and only on weeds.
According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, glyphosate is safe for human health, however, some homeowners prefer less aggressive alternatives or natural solutions like botanic oils. For example, pelargonic acid works well on small seedling broadleaf weeds but is not efficient in cold weather.
Another example is Diquat, a contact herbicide that rapidly kills small annual weeds and is especially effective against young seedling grasses. The downside to this solution is that it cannot kill large weeds but only injures them.
Best Weed Killer Compared
We have examined two different types of weed killers, the fast-action Roundup 119407 Weedkiller Spray and the Weedol 11008 Liquid Concentrate. Both products are tried-and-true solutions manufactured by trustworthy companies.
The Weedol brand was launched in the UK in 1906 and has been proving its efficiency for decades. Roundup is produced by Monsanto and acquired by the German pharmaceutical company Bayer. However, these two products differ in both form and ingredients.
Best ready-to-use
The Roundup weedkiller is a ready-to-use liquid solution that contains 7.2g/l glyphosate and provides visible results within 48 hours.
This is a premixed formula, so you can use it straight from the bottle. The sprayer comes with an extendable wand and a one-touch trigger system.
With a capacity of 5 litres, the product allows 10 minutes of continuous spray. Once applied, the solution travels through the leaves straight to the roots, preventing the unwanted plant from growing. The weed killer leaves no residue, so you can safely start replanting in just a week.
Best dual-action formulation: glyphosate + diflufenican
The Weedol liquid concentrate needs to be mixed with water and poured in a garden sprayer or a similar device. However, it is more economical than the Roundup solution, with one container being sufficient to cover 360 square metres.
What we like about this weed killer is that it uses a unique dual-action formulation. In addition to 125g/l glyphosate, the solution contains 20 g/l diflufenican, a broad-leaved weed herbicide that has been used in Europe for years.
Like the Roundup solution, this one kills weeds to the roots but lasts longer, for up to 3 months. On the other hand, visible results will be seen only in two weeks, meaning that the Weedol concentrate is a slow-acting solution.
To cope with weeds, you may also like:
- Best Weed Brush in the UK | Electric Weed Brushes & Weed Sweepers for Patio Compared in 2022
- Best Backpack Weed Sprayers (16-20L) in the UK
- Best Portable (3.5L) Electric & High-Capacity (up to 98L) Weed Sprayers in the UK in 2022
Best-Selling Weed Killers in the UK | Comparison Table
Most Popular Weed Killer
Elixir Gardens Barclay Gallup Home & Garden by Elixir Garden Supplies
- Strongest Weed killer Available Online In the U.K. For Uncertified Use. Contains 360 g/l glyphosate, The same as most Professional Grade Herbicides
- One Litre Treats Over 0.4 of an Acre Offering the Best Value Available.
- Gallup Home & Garden is a domestic weed killer that contains 360 g/l glyphosate for effective control of annual and deep-rooted perennial garden weeds, including grasses, docks, nettles, willowherb, dandelion and bindweed. Kills most weeds in one application with no need to re-apply. A single 2 Litre bottle treats upto 3332 sq/m
Products with 5 star rating
Other Popular
Roundup 19017 Fast Action Weedkiller, Ready to Use, Manual Spray 3 Litre, Clear
- Fast action ready to use weed killer that kills the weeds and roots with visible results in 1-2 days
- Kills most garden weeds with a single application; up to 3 minutes of continuous spray when using 3 L option
- Kills the roots so weeds don't come back
- Children and pets need not be excluded from treated areas (once dry)
- Degraded in the soil by micro organisms
- Leaves no harmful residues to allow replanting within 7 days
Roundup 112113 Fast Action Total Weedkiller 5 Litre Refill, Clear
- Fast action ready to use weed killer that kills the weeds and roots with visible results in 1-2 days
- Refill for 5 L Fast Action Roundup Pump 'N Go ready to use weedkiller
- Kills the roots so weeds don't come back
- Children and pets need not be excluded from treated areas (once dry)
- Degraded in the soil by micro organisms
- Leaves no harmful residues to allow replanting within 7 days
Rootblast Super Concentrated Weed Killer, Commercial Strength, Glyphosate, 2L for Home & Garden, 360G/L
- Commercial strength glyphosate weed killer for the home and garden
- For use on unwanted weeds and vegetation areas not intended to bear vegetation
- Contains 360 g/l glyphosate for effective control of all types of weeds, annual and deep-rooted perennial garden weeds, including grasses , docks, nettles, willowherb, dandelion and bindweed. Also suitable for woody brambles, tree stumps and ivy.
- Rootblast Super Concentrated Weedkiller
- Strong Weed Killer
- Strong weedkiller
Resolva 24H Ready To Use Power Pump Weed Killer Refill, 5 Litre
- This Resolva ready to use formulation provides you with visible results after 24 hours
- Kills both the visible weed and its root system of annual and deep-rooted perennial garden weeds including grasses, docks, nettles, dandelions, bindweed and many more
- This formula is broken down naturally in soil leaving no residue
- Use in a Resolva Power Pump or other garden sprayer
- This pack will treat a 185 sq m area (equivalent to 18.5 car parking spaces)
Weedol 10005 Ultra Tough WeedKiller Liquid Concentrate 6+2 Tubes, Black
- Ideal for ground clearance on untidy overgrown areas. This includes sheds and greenhouses, along Fences, gravel areas, and other areas not intended for vegetation such as paths and drives.
- Unique dual action fomulation, kills weeds to the root and acts fast
- No measuring or mess - just add water
- Kills brambles, nettles, thisles, docks and other deep-rooted weeds
- Children and pets need not be excluded from treated areas (once dry)
- Controls weeds around the base of roses, ornamental shrubs, trees and under hedges as well as on gravel areas, paths and drives
Rootblast Super Concentrated Weed Killer
- Commercial strength glyphosate weed killer for the home and garden
- For use on unwanted vegetation and areas not intended to bear vegetation
- Contains 360 g/l glyphosate for effective control of annual and deep-rooted perennial garden weeds, including grasses, docks, nettles, willowherb, dandelion and bindweed. Also suitable for woody brambles, tree stumps and Ivy.
- Coverage of up to 1666 sq/m
Weedol 019423 Fast Acting Weedkiller, Ready to Use, Manual Spray 3 Litre, Clear
- When you need fast results - visible results in 1 hour and dead weeds within 24 Hours
- Ideal for flower beds, borders and vegetable patches before sowing or planting
- You can plant or seed within 24 hours of spraying
- can be used around the bases of roses, ornamental shrubs and trees and under hedges
- Children and pets need not be excluded from treated areas (once dry)
Resolva 20300383 Pro Ready To Use Weed Killer, 3 Litre, Transparent
- Resolva Pro Weedkiller is a ready to use systemic weedkiller ideal for controlling annual and deep-rooted perennial weeds
- This is for use on unwanted vegetation; it can be used on beds, borders, paths, patios, driveways and waste ground
- This products adjustable spray or jet trigger head feature allows for wide large area or targeted application
- This pack contains 3 Litre which will treat up to 111 sq m; the equivalent of 11 car parking spaces
Weedol 18133 Rootkill Plus Liquid Concentrate Weedkiller Tubes, Red, 6 + 2 Tubes
- Unique dual action fomulation, kills weeds to the root and acts fast
- No measuring or mess - just add water
- Visible results within 24 hours
- Children and pets need not be excluded from treated areas (once dry)
- Use with either watering can or a garden sprayer. Clean the equipment thoroughly after use.
- Controls weeds around the base of roses, ornamental shrubs, trees and under hedges as well as on gravel areas, paths and drives
