15 Best Pet Friendly & Safe Weed Killers
The best pet-friendly and safe weed killer can help you keep your garden in a good shape and boost your property value. However, weeds represent a serious issue in the battle for a healthy lawn.
Many homeowners opt for strong chemical herbicides made to kill weeds. Usually, these products aren’t pet-friendly and can harm your pets. I’m a big animal lover who takes care of two lovely dogs.
And since I found out that most herbicides can harm pets, I have focused on finding weed killers that can be used around pets. That said, let’s review some weed killers that appear safe for animals.
What Makes a Weed Killer Pet Friendly?
The absence of some common chemicals found in most herbicides makes these products unsafe for your pets. Let’s discuss some of the chemicals you should avoid if you’re a pet owner.
- Glyphosate
Glyphosate is commonly found in non-selective weed killers such as Roundup. If your animals have been exposed, they can exhibit symptoms such as vomiting, drooling, diarrhea, or loss of appetite.
- 2,4-D
2,4-D has been utilized in non-selective weed killers such as Agent Orange during the Vietnam War. Dogs exposed to this can experience drooling, diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy, staggering, convulsions, and vomiting. Pets don’t handle this chemical very well, so avoid weed killers that contain 2,4-D.
- Sethoxydim
Sethoxydim is more selective than other chemicals. It’s commonly found in weed killers such as Bonide Grass Beater and Hi-Yield Grass Killer. It’s not as dangerous and toxic as the other active ingredients but can still cause similar symptoms and diseases when ingested, especially among fish and birds.
Extra Tips
Any weed killer with these chemicals will recommend not allowing your children or pets around treated areas until they’re dry.
If a weed killer has that warning anywhere on the label, check the active ingredients. Otherwise, you’re putting your pets’ life at risk.
Opt for a herbicide with natural ingredients such as lemon oil, white vinegar, cloves, or essential oils that don’t pose any danger.
What Are The Best Pet Friendly & Safe Weed Killers?
People don’t like weeds because they ruin the image of their gardens and yards.
Luckily, weed killers can help with this issue, however, they can also cause another issue which is putting your pets’ life at risk. This is where pet-friendly weed killers step in and save the day.
When shopping for pet-friendly herbicides, look no further than brands like Green Gobbler, Eco Garden, Preen, and Doctor Kircher. They take care of both your gardens and beloved doggies.
That said, let’s take a look at some of their best pet-friendly and safe weed killers.
- Best Overall: Green Gobbler Natural Weed and Grass Killer
“Works as intended, visible results in less than 24 hours, ready to use, child and pet-friendly, easy to use.” - Best Budget: Preen 24-63782 Vegetable Garden Weed Preventer
“Safe to utilize, perfect for keeping out weeds in organic gardens, can be used up to the days of harvest.” - Best Weed Preventer: Espoma Organic Weed Preventer
“Non-toxic, granulated for easy application, a good product for those who want to garden organically.” - Best for Large Yards: ECO Garden PRO Organic Vinegar Weed Killer
“Eco-friendly, a natural way of killing weeds, safe for groundwater, works well, child and pet-friendly.” - Best for Small Yards: EcoSMART 100% Organic Weed Killer
“Works but slowly, ready to use, effective, environmentally friendly, kills all types of grasses and weeds.” - Best Fact-Acting: Natural Armor All-Natural Weed and Grass Killer
“It’s like magic, smells good, works as intended, perfect for dog owners, free of dangerous chemicals.” - Best Organic: AllDown Summerset Concentrated Organic Weed Killer
“Contains vinegar and citric acid, pet-safe, environmentally friendly, natural, budget-friendly product.” - Best for Tough Plants: Natural Elements Glyphosate Free Weed Killer
“Organic but non-selective formula, ready to use, quick and easy to use, works well even on poison ivy.” - Best Non-Selective: Doctor Kirchner Natural Weed and Grass Killer
“100% safe and visible results in 12-24 hours, affordable, perfect for pet owners, safer than Roundup.” - Best Selective: Avenger Organics Natural Weed Killer
“Highly biodegradable, has a pleasant citrus aroma, controls most weeds, grasses, and broadleaves.”
Top 15 Best Pet Friendly & Safe Weed Killer 2023
You can have a healthy weed-free lawn without harmful chemicals that can harm your dog or child. Eco-friendly weed killers don’t contain glyphosate and 2,4-D, so they’re 100% safe.
If you’re looking for acid-based organic weed killers that won’t put your dog’s life at risk, look no further than the best pet-friendly and safe weed killers presented in the following table.
Best Pet Friendly & Safe Weed Killer Reviews 2023
Commercial weed killers contain dangerous chemicals that can harm your pets and kids. Meaning, they solve one problem but also cause another!
Organic herbicides, on the other hand, help homeowners keep their gardens weed-free while also being safe. If you consider pets as part of the family like I do, invest in a natural herbicide.
That being said, let’s take a closer look at some of the top-rated organic herbicides and find the best pet-friendly and safe weed killer for your garden.
Green Gobbler Natural Weed and Grass Killer
(Best Overall)
Green Gobbler is a natural weed and grass killer that eliminates any type of plant in hours. You will get visible results in the next 24 hours. It’s safe to utilize anywhere!
Use this product on dandelions, crabgrass, white clover, clover weeds, moss, and enjoy a wee-free yard. Made of corn, this weed killer contains 20% acetic acid and doesn’t harm animals.
It’s ideal for agricultural, industrial, commercial, and industrial use. The best part? You will also receive a sprayer. I like this weed killer because it’s OMRI listed and certified for organic use.
The formula is 4 times stronger than traditional table vinegar and doesn’t contain glyphosate. It’s cheap, super-versatile, and comes ready to use right out of the container.
Product Specifications:
| Brand: | Green Gobbler |
| Amount: | 1 gallon |
| Visible results: | 24 hours |
| OMRI listed: | Yes |
| Glyphosate: | No |
Key features:
- Made of corn and has 20% acetic acid
- Safe to use anywhere, pet and child friendly
- Powerful and certified for organic use
Pros
- Ready to use formula
- 1 gallon covers 1,200 square feet
- Visible results in less than 24 hours
- Simple, reliable, and easy to apply
- Performs as intended
Cons
- Corrosive
- Destroys floors
- Harmful to birds
Watch this video to know more about the product:
Preen 24-63782 Vegetable Garden Weed Preventer
(Best Budget)
If you want to prevent weeds from growing in the first place, opt for the Preen weed preventer. It’s both pet and child friendly and inhibits the growth of seeds with corn protein.
It prevents annual weeds in flower beds, gardens, shrubs, or trees for 4-6 weeks. You can use this weed preventer on new plants 3 inches tall with leaves up to the day of harvest.
Product Specifications:
| Brand: | Preen |
| Amount: | 25 pounds |
| Visible results: | Not specified |
| OMRI listed: | Not specified |
| Glyphosate: | No |
Key features:
- Pet and child friendly
- Can be used up to the day of harvest
- Can be used on new plants 2-3 inches tall with leaves
- Inhibits the growth of seeds with corn protein
- Prevents annual weeds for weeks
- 100% safe and affordable
Pros
- Safe to use
- Perfect for keeping out weeds in organic gardens
- Works well
Cons
- Doesn’t work when used the wrong way
Watch this video to know more about the product:
Natural Armor All-Natural Weed and Grass Killer
(Best Fast-Acting Pet-Friendly Weed Killer)
The Natural Armor weed killer is a 100% natural concentrated formula for destroying over 250 types of grasses and weeds. It’s child and pet-friendly, ready to use, and fast-acting!
You will get visible results in hours and even better results shortly thereafter. If you’re looking for a safe weed killer that can be used anywhere, look no further than Natural Armor.
Product Specifications:
| Brand: | Natural Armor |
| Amount: | 1 gallon |
| Visible results: | 24 hours |
| OMRI listed: | No |
| Glyphosate: | No |
Key features:
- Visible results in less than 24 hours
- Free of harmful chemicals (glyphosate-free)
- The perfect choice for dog owners
Pros
- It’s like magic
- Works as intended
- Smells good
Cons
- Terrible applicator
- Eats through concrete
- The bottle leaks
Watch this video to know more about the product:
Doctor Kirchner Natural Weed and Grass Killer
(Best Non-Selective Pet-Friendly Weed Killer)
The Doctor Kircher is a natural weed & grass killer that helps you keep a weed-free yarn without causing harm to your pets, children, and the environment.
It’s ready to use formula made from food-grade commercial vinegar, ocean water, and soap. Just spray weeds to the point of wetness and wait for the results.
You will get visible results in 12-24 hours. The best part? This weed killer has a long shelf life. Meaning, it will last for years and won’t harm the environment.
Product Specifications:
| Brand: | Doctor Kircher |
| Amount: | 2.5 gallons |
| Visible results: | 12-24 results |
| OMRI listed: | Not specified |
| Glyphosate: | No |
Key features:
- Ready to use formula
- 100% safe and visible results in 12-24 hours
- Made of commercial strength food-grade vinegar, ocean water, and soap
- No hormone-disrupting chemicals and glyphosate
- Non-selective weed killer
Pros
- Affordable
- Great for pet owners
- Natural weed and grass killer
- Safer than Roundup
- Works well
Cons
- Small coverage
- Not tough enough for some weeds
- Temporary results
Watch this video to know more about the product:
Natural Elements Glyphosate Free Weed Killer
(Best Pet-Friendly Weed Killer for Tough Plants)
Natural Elements is a glyphosate-free weed killer made of highly concentrated commercial grade vinegar and saltwater. It’s safe and fast-acting!
Specially made to enable the product to stick to the plants and strip the coating, this weed killer delivers visible and permanent results in 24 hours or less.
Natural Elements works on most broadleaf weeds and grasses. However, it’s not a selective herbicide so don’t apply directly to lawns unless trying to kill the grass.
The best part? It’s safe for your pets and family. You will get a ready to use formula (no drift, no mixing, no hassle). It’s effective and affordable.
Product Specifications:
| Brand: | Natural Elements |
| Amount: | 32 fluid ounces |
| Visible results: | 24 hours |
| OMRI listed: | Not specified |
| Glyphosate: | No |
Key features:
- Pet and child friendly
- Visible results in 24 hours or less
- No harmful chemicals (derived from vinegar)
- Organic but non-selective formula
- Ready to use formula
Pros
- Quick and easy to utilize
- Works extremely well, even on poison ivy
- Works quickly on foliage
Cons
- The bottle doesn’t come with a spray pump
Watch this video to know more about the product:
Green Gobbler 30% Pure Vinegar Weed Killer
Another product by Green Gobbler that’s also effective is their 30% pure vinegar weed killer. Made from corn grown in the USA, this herbicide is organic and versatile.
You can utilize Green Gobbler for deodorizing, cleaning, chrome polishing, laundry, and grease removal. It’s a completely pure formula made with corn which is distilled into corn alcohol.
The solution is then fermented and put through a filtration process to make vinegar. Green Gobbler can be utilized at full capacity for tough jobs or diluted with water.
Product Specifications:
| Brand: | Green Gobbler |
| Amount: | 1 gallon |
| Visible results: | A few hours |
| OMRI listed: | Yes |
| Glyphosate: | No |
Key features:
- Multi-purpose pure formula
- Derived naturally from corn grown in the USA
- Contains no chemicals or dyes
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- A fantastic weed killer
- Amazingly multi-purpose for home, gardens, and laundry
- Powerful and 100% safe
- Pet and child friendly
Cons
- Strong odor
- Temporary results
- Overpriced
Watch this video to know more about the product:
Energen Carolina LLC 578 Vinegar Weed & Grass Killer
The Energen Carolina is a fast-acting but non-selective herbicide. You can use this weed killer on ground ivy, clover, crabgrass, or dandelions.
It’s safe to use for agricultural, industrial, commercial, and residential applications. Simply apply where weed isn’t wanted and wait for the results.
You can use Energen Carolina on sidewalks, roadways, fence rows, parking lots, barnyards, driveways, or sidewalks. It’s super-versatile and safe.
Once dried, areas where the application was made, can be utilized by kids and pets. It’s usually utilized for the control of annual weeds and grasses.
You can apply this product up to 2 days before harvest. It’s a great alternative to dangerous weed killers that contain dangerous chemicals.
Product Specifications:
| Brand: | Energen Carolina LLC |
| Amount: | 1 gallon |
| Visible results: | A few hours |
| OMRI listed: | Not specified |
| Glyphosate: | No |
Key features:
- Vinegar weed killer
- Weed control for organic production
- A great alternative to weed killers that contain glyphosate
- Safe when used according to directions
- Pet and child friendly
Pros
- Works well
- Great for tough plants
- Affordable
Cons
- Misleading description
- Not strong enough for some plants
- Limited instructions
Watch this video to know more about the product:
Just For Pets Weed Killer Spray
Made from pet owners for pet owners, this weed killer spray is natural and safe to use around pets. It’s budget-friendly and made of natural ingredients.
The best part? A portion of each sale is donated to animal shelters nationwide. If you’re searching for a 100% safe weed killer, then Just for Pets is for you.
Product Specifications:
| Brand: | Natural Armor |
| Amount: | 1 gallon |
| Visible results: | A few hours |
| OMRI listed: | Not specified |
| Glyphosate: | No |
Key features:
- Budget-friendly and 100% safe
- Made by pet owners for pet owners
- The company donates a portion of each sale to animal shelters
- Made of natural ingredients (no glyphosate)
- Visible results in just a few hours
Pros
- Easy on sensitive dog paws
- Kills plants and weeds in record time
- Excellent customer service
Cons
- Strong odor
- Temporary results
- Burns grass
Watch this video to know more about the product:
ECO Garden PRO Organic Vinegar Weed Killer
(Best Pet-Friendly Weed Killer for Large Yards)
The ECO Garden PRO is a natural vinegar weed killer that’s pet friendly. It’s made with pets and family in mind. The best part? You will get visible results in 24 hours.
This weed killer is great for commercial, residential, agricultural, and industrial use including sidewalks, farmlands, driveways, flower beds, pavement, mulch beds, concrete, and more.
If you’re looking for a ready to use formula made of natural ingredients such as organic rock salt, natural white vinegar, and biodegradable plant activators, look no further than ECO Garden.
It’s made to destroy grass and weeds quickly and effectively. This weed killer is phosphate-free, safe for groundwater, 100% biodegradable, and environmentally-friendly.
Product Specifications:
| Brand: | ECO Garden PRO Professional |
| Amount: | 1 gallon |
| Visible results: | 24 hours |
| OMRI listed: | Not specified |
| Glyphosate: | No |
Key features:
- Pet and child-friendly herbicide
- Works for poison ivy, moss, and clover
- Organic weed killer that works within 24 hours
- Safe for groundwater and biodegradable
- Eco-friendly and phosphate-free
Pros
- Safe for bees and pets
- A natural way of killing weeds
- Works effectively without any toxic chemicals
- Budget-friendly and effective
- Organic and works well
Cons
- Doesn’t come with a sprayer
Watch this video to know more about the product:
OrganicMatters Natural Weed Killer Spray
Another natural weed killer that’s safe to use around children and pets is OrganicMatters organic weed killer spray. It’s made of natural ingredients and doesn’t contain glyphosate.
With this herbicide, you will destroy weeds and grasses in less than 24 hours. The concentrated formula kills over 250 types of weed including dandelions, crabgrass, and other broadleaf weeds.
The best part? You will also get a heavy-duty sprayer. This weed killer is ready to use and dries quickly. It makes a great alternative to toxic herbicides that contain dangerous chemicals.
Product Specifications:
| Brand: | OrganicMatters |
| Amount: | 1 gallon |
| Visible results: | 24 hours |
| OMRI listed: | Not specified |
| Glyphosate: | No |
Key features:
- Made of natural ingredients (no glyphosate)
- Destroys weeds and plants in less than 24 hours
- Safe to utilize anywhere and dries a lot faster
Pros
- Pet and child-friendly herbicide
- Weeds turn brown the same day
- Extremely effective on weeds
Cons
- Expensive
- Non-selective weed killer
- Strong odor
Watch this video to know more about the product:
Avenger Organics Natural Weed Killer
(Best Selective Pet-Friendly Weed Killer)
The Avenger organics is a fast-acting natural weed killer that provides visible results in just 2 hours. It’s a highly biodegradable product that dries quickly and doesn’t pose harm to animals.
Works in both cloudy and cool conditions. I like this weed killer because it’s easy to use and spray places can be planted within hours of use. It’s made of lemons, oranges, and other citrus fruits.
Thus, it has a pleasant citrus aroma. This product doesn’t stain pavements, concrete, or bricks. Citrus oil is the active ingredient that strips away the waxy plant cuticle causing it to dehydrate.
Product Specifications:
| Brand: | Avenger Organics |
| Amount: | 32 fluid ounces |
| Visible results: | 2 hours |
| OMRI listed: | Yes |
| Glyphosate: | No |
Key features:
- Highly biodegradable
- Has a pleasant citrus aroma
- Made of lemons, oranges, and other citrus fruits
- Controls most weeds, grasses, and broadleaves
- EPA registered and approved
- Fast-acting and effective
Pros
- Affordable
- Works like a charm
- Your new favorite organic weed killer
- It smells like orange peel
- Instant results
Cons
- Not strong enough for some weeds
Watch this video to know more about the product:
AllDown Summerset Concentrated Organic Weed Killer
(Best Organic Pet-Friendly Weed Killer)
AllDown Summerset is a concentrated organic herbicide made for residential use in organic gardening. If you’re looking for a pet and environmentally friendly weed killer, then AllDown is for you.
You can use this OMRI listed weed killer on grasses and weeds in vegetable gardens, flowerbeds, around non-fruiting or fruiting trees, vines, shrubs, patios, driveways, sidewalks, fences, and more.
Product Specifications:
| Brand: | AllDown |
| Amount: | 1 gallon |
| Visible results: | Not specified |
| OMRI listed: | Yes |
| Glyphosate: | No |
Key features:
- Contains vinegar and citric acid
- OMRI listed concentrated organic weed killer
- Pet and environmentally friendly
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- For use in organic gardening
- Natural weed killer
Cons
- Non-selective
Watch this video to know more about the product:
Espoma Organic Weed Preventer
(Best Pet-Friendly Weed Preventer)
Made of corn gluten meal, this organic weed preventer helps lawns and gardens stay green and healthy while keeping unwanted grasses and plants at bay.
You can apply this weed preventer twice per year (early spring and fall). It’s non-toxic, so your kids and pets can safely play on the lawn after application.
Product Specifications:
| Brand: | Espoma |
| Amount: | 25 pounds |
| Visible results: | Not specified |
| OMRI listed: | Not specified |
| Glyphosate: | No |
Key features:
- Made of 100% corn gluten meal
- Prevents most of the common weeds
- Kids and pets can play on the lawn immediately after application
- Long-lasting greening that won’t burn
- Granulated for easy application
Pros
- Works when applied properly
- A good product for those who want to garden organically
- Non-toxic and easy to utilize
Cons
- Strong odor
Watch this video to know more about the product:
BioSafe Systems 7601-1 Weed and Grass Killer
BioSafe Systems provides visible results within 24 hours. It’s a non-selective burndown product for grass and weeds that shows results within minutes of contact.
If you’re searching for certified weed control that’s OMRI listed and EPA registered, then this is the weed killer for you. It works on broadleaf grasses and weeds.
Product Specifications:
| Brand: | BioSafe Systems |
| Amount: | 1 gallon |
| Visible results: | 24 hours |
| OMRI listed: | Yes |
| Glyphosate: | No |
Key features:
- Great for broadleaf plants
- Works within minutes of contact
- Non-selective burndown weed killer
- OMRI listed and EPA registered
- Organic certified weed control
Pros
- Easy to use
- Effective and cheap
- Great for smaller areas
- Pet and child friendly
- Rapid results
Cons
- Overpriced
- Poor packaging
- Unsafe for bees
Watch this video to know more about the product:
EcoSMART 100% Organic Weed Killer
(Best Pet-Friendly Weed Killer for Small Yards)
If you’re looking for a super cheap and very effective herbicide, look no further than EcoSmart. It’s a safe and effective weed killer that removes all types of grasses and weeds.
This organic weed killer will help you keep your garden growing and looking great. You will notice results in a few hours. It’s a pet-friendly formula made of potent plant oils such as clove oil.
The best part? It has a natural fresh scent and won’t contaminate groundwater supplies, hurt mammals, fish, or birds, so you can always feel good about utilizing this herbicide.
Product Specifications:
| Brand: | EcoSmart |
| Amount: | 24 fluid ounces |
| Visible results: | A few hours |
| OMRI listed: | Not specified |
| Glyphosate: | No |
Key features:
- Non-toxic and environmentally friendly
- Safe, effective, and fast way to kill all types of grasses and weeds
- Made of potent plant oils such as clove oil
Pros
- Super effective
- Ready to use formula
- Works but slowly
Cons
- Poorly designed bottle
- Not strong enough for some weeds
- Looks like soap when applied
Watch this video to know more about the product:
Buying Guide: What’s the Best Safe Weed Killer?
When shopping for a safe weed killer, take the time to read the labels on the package.
It’s tempting to fall for lies such as “chemical-free” but the reality is everything is a chemical. What you want to avoid is a seriously toxic weed killer that can put your beloved pet’s life in danger.
That being said, let’s discuss some of the main active ingredients that can cause issues.
- Glyphosate
- 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D)
- Malathion
These active ingredients provide permanent results. They’re the best at killing unwanted weeds, plants, and grasses. However, they’re also the most harmful toxins that can harm your pets.
Parts of the world ban their use because they’re super toxic. Opt for a chemical herbicide that has either OMRI (organic material review institute) or EPA (environmental protection agency) certifications.
If these organizations have passed the weed killer, it’s probably pet-friendly. Will a pet-safe herbicide act as strong as synthetic herbicides? No, but you don’t have to worry about your pet’s life.
Benefits of Using a Pet-Friendly Weed Killer
Pet-friendly weed killers aren’t only safer for your pets but also the environment. The air in your garden will be cleaner, so endangered insects (bees) will be safer too!
Avoid herbicides that have active ingredients like glyphosate along with a wide array of other dangerous chemicals that can cause harm and have been banned in certain countries around the world.
Therefore, always read the label and ensure that you’re purchasing a non-toxic herbicide that will keep your yard weed-free but also keep your environment toxin-free.
How to Use a Pet-Friendly Weed Killer?
Pet-friendly weed killers only represent a minimal threat to your pets. However, many “safe” ingredients and chemicals can also cause damage if applied the wrong way, so follow the next steps.
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Follow the Instructions
Commercial herbicides provide permanent results only when applied in the proper manner and amount. Therefore, always follow the instructions. Otherwise, you’re putting your pet’s life in danger.
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Keep Your Pets Inside When You’re Applying Herbicides
Keep your cat, dog, or kid inside while you’re applying lawn chemicals of any kind. Otherwise, your pets can lick weed killer off the plants or grass you just treated or you can accidentally spray your dog.
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Avoid Sprays in Windy Conditions
The wind can transfer weed killers into places you didn’t intend to cover. This can end up destroying the plants you love or can even contaminate your pet’s house as well as their preferred play space.
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Avoid Wet Days
This isn’t a safety precaution. It’s more of a power issue. As you probably know, water dilutes chemicals. Utilizing a weed killer on wet plants decreases the effectiveness and wastes your precious time.
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Don’t Let Your Pets Outside for About 24 Hours Following Application
Keep your pet inside for about 24 hours following the application. Most products dry within hours but some take longer, so keep your pets away from recently treated areas.
Most herbicides will provide detailed information on how to apply the product and how long you need to keep pets and children away from the treated places, so just follow the instructions.
You will still need to let your pet answer nature’s call. You can take them to a local park or a neighbor’s yard, just don’t forget to clean up after your animal and act responsibly.
Homemade Alternatives to Weed Killer
If you don’t trust any herbicide, maybe it’s a good idea to make your own. Or find other alternatives that can help you keep your garden weed-free without putting your pet’s life in danger.
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Boiling Water
Boiling water is the perfect solution for places like sidewalks or driveways or just larger places where no you don’t want any plants. It’s pet-safe and will kill any plant instantly.
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Vinegar
Just spray the unwanted plant with vinegar and you’re good to go! If you’re dealing with tougher weeds, reapply the vinegar multiple times before the weeds completely vanish.
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Salt
If you have a place that you don’t want to have weeds and plants growing at all (patio or brick path), salt provides great results. It’s pet-safe and makes the soil unsuitable for plants.
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Sugar
Sugar puts the soil organisms into overdrive. Then, the soil becomes temporarily unsuitable for weeds or plants. It’s the ideal solution for removing stubborn trees, vines, or bushes.
Just apply some sugar to the foundation of the plants you want to kill. If you’re worried about attracting pests, simply mix equal parts of sugar and chili pepper to keep pests at bay.
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Cornmeal
Sometimes, the most effective pet-friendly solution can stop unwanted plants before they even show. Cornmeal contains a chemical that performs as a pre-emergent on plant seeds.
Meaning, cornmeal will stop the seeds from germinating. Applying cornmeal in a place that you want to keep weeds at bay. It won’t harm nearby plants but will keep other unwanted plants away.
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Homemade Weed Killer
You can mix all of the ingredients mentioned above. If you will be using a spray bottle and the mixture is liquid, add in a little dish detergent. It will help the liquid stick to the plants better.
Your dog or cat is your best friend and you don’t want to put their health at risk. Utilizing products from your home to make a natural weed killer is better, cheaper, and provides great results.
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Manual Labor
If you’re looking for a 100% pet-friendly “weed killer”, look no further than manual pulling. It’s tiring and time-consuming. However, it’s completely free and amusing if you enjoy that kind of thing.
You can utilize different tools in the process and save your hands. However, make sure your doggy isn’t watching. Otherwise, they can follow your lead and start digging when you’re not watching.
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Mulch
You can’t mulch your entire lawn. However, if you place a 4-inch thick layer of mulch in your flower beds or around your trees, you will stop unwanted plants from growing.
You can also utilize mulch around and in play areas, walkways, and dog runs too! Purchase a pet-friendly mulch. Pine straw and pine bark nuggets are more environmentally sustainable than cypress.
Avoid mulches that don’t reveal the materials used in their production, dyed mulches, or cocoa mulches. You don’t want to buy a mulch with salvaged construction materials.
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Allelopathic Plants
Many plants make chemicals that destroy other plants or just stop them from growing. If you don’t want to deal with unwanted plants, incorporate allelopathic plants in your yard.
These plants eliminate the competition. However, this isn’t a simple solution. You will have to determine the right plants for your yard or garden, plant them, and wait for the results.
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Weed Control Fabric
The simplest way to prevent the growth of unwanted weeds and plants in your yard is to cut the air and sunlight supply to the soil around the spots the weeds grow in your garden.
The sunlight is a key factor for unwanted grass and weeds to grow. Applying a weed control fabric enables the water to enter the soil. However, it doesn’t allow sunlight to get to the soil.
This is the perfect solution for new gardens. The fabric will prevent plants or weeds to grow in your new garden. Install a high-quality weed control fabric to keep your garden weed-free.
You can find a weed barrier fabric in a local store. It’s available as a role, so you will need to cut the right fabric size. Check for holes in the fabric. Otherwise, sunlight will get to the soil.
Once you have everything covered, make sure that nearby plants are getting enough sunlight to get the nutrients and having enough space to thrive. It’s a pet-friendly, cheap solution.
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Fiskars Weeder
Fiskars weeder is one of the most effective and easiest ways to handle unwanted weeds and plants. It’s cheap and makes a great alternative for people who don’t like chemicals.
Simply put the weeder on the plant, press it in the soil and pull the plant from the root level. It’s as easy as that. If you’re looking for a natural solution, look no further than Fiskars.
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Torch
Another great way to remove plants is to burn them. The smaller torch that’s created to burn the plants will do the job. However, make sure it’s safe to utilize fire at the place.
Also, check if your surroundings contain any inflammable material. Then, light up the torch and move on the surface of the plants. Lastly, treat the roots to prevent new growth.
FAQs
My Top Pick
If you still can’t decide, I suggest you go with Green Gobbler Weed and Grass Killer. It’s safe and budget-friendly. This herbicide doesn’t contain glyphosate or other dangerous chemicals.
The best part? You will also get a sprayer! If you’re searching for something that will prevent weeds and plants from appearing in the first place, opt for the Preen Vegetable Garden Weed Preventer.
It’s a pet and child friendly. You can use this weed preventer around shrubs, trees, or ground covers for 4-6 weeks. With these products, you can have a weed-free garden without harming your dogs.
Hopefully, this buying guide can help you find the best pet-friendly and safe weed killer. Share your tips, tricks, and advice in the comments below. I would love to hear your honest opinion.
