The Best Weed Killers For Lawns Patios And Driveways
Sprays and granules that clear paths and drives or tidy a lawn without harming the grass.
Our quick verdict
Our pick of the best weed killer is the Roundup Fast Action, a ready-to-use spray for paths, patios and drives with nothing to mix and a pump and wand that are far less tiring than a trigger bottle. For neglected ground full of deep-rooted weeds, the Rootblast Glyphosate Weed Killer is the stronger choice.
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Our Picks At A Glance
Spray a patio weed killer on the lawn and the grass dies along with the dandelions, so the first check on any bottle is whether it's total or selective. After that it's about scale. A ready-to-use sprayer suits a few weeds in the paving, but on badly overgrown ground a concentrate mixed in a pump sprayer costs far less per square metre and hits harder.
We've used weed killers like these on lawns, patios and block paving drives. The six here cover both jobs, including a granular weed and feed for the whole lawn.
How We Tested Weed Killers On Our Patios And Lawns
We put weed killers to work on lawns, block paving drives and patio slabs, using ready-to-use sprayers such as Roundup Fast Action alongside strong glyphosate concentrates that we diluted and applied with a knapsack pump sprayer.
The video below, from our YouTube channel, shows that knapsack sprayer in action with a diluted glyphosate mix. Once it's pumped up to pressure, you just point the wand at each weed and squeeze.
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To show how quickly a glyphosate weed killer works, we photographed the same stretch of patio over the days after spraying. The weeds wilted, turned brown and were easy to rake away, leaving the slabs clear with no second application needed.
Each product was judged on the job it's sold for. We looked at whether it killed those weeds down to the root, how easy it was to put down, and how far a bottle went for the money.
Weed Killers Worth Buying For Every Area
Each product below says where it can and can't be used, so check before spraying near a lawn or border. Total weed killers kill grass too.
Best Overall
Roundup Fast Action
Best for: Paths, patios, drives and fence lines with no mixing
Check Price On AmazonRoundup Fast Action is the ready-to-use spray we'd pick for most homes, and the 5 litre Pump N Go version in our photo is the one we tested. You pump the handle to build pressure, then the extending wand lets you put the spray right onto each weed without bending double or drifting onto plants you want to keep. Roundup says you get up to 10 minutes of continuous spray from each pump.
At 7.2 g/l of glyphosate it's far milder than a concentrate, but according to Roundup it still kills weeds and their roots with visible results in 1 to 2 days from a single application on paths, drives, patios and around fences. The brand also says it's safe for children and pets once dry.
The same formula comes in refill bottles and trigger sprayers, so the pump bottle can be topped up rather than thrown away.
What we like
- Ready to use straight from the bottle
- Extending wand made spot spraying easy in our testing
- Up to 10 minutes of spray per pump according to Roundup
- Kills the roots as well as the leaves
- 5 litre bottle can be refilled
- Safe for children and pets once dry, says the brand
What to know
- Costs more per litre of spray than mixing a concentrate
- Kills grass, so not for use on lawns
Our verdict
For most paths, patios and drives this is the easiest weed killer here to live with. You pick it up and spray, and with the wand doing the reaching you can work along a whole patio without a sore hand or back. It's a total weed killer, so keep it off the lawn and use the Weedol there instead.
Most Powerful
Rootblast Glyphosate Weed Killer
Best for: Large overgrown areas and tough, deep-rooted weeds
Check Price On AmazonRootblast is the one for ground that's got away from you. It's a commercial-strength concentrate with 360 g/l of glyphosate, the same type of strong formula as the Rosate 36 concentrate in our knapsack sprayer photo and video, which cleared every type of weed we put it on. You mix Rootblast with water to the manufacturer's rates, then spray it on with a pump sprayer.
One bottle goes a very long way, as Rootblast says a litre covers roughly 1,666 m² when mixed correctly. The glyphosate soaks down into the soil to kill weeds at the root, which is what you need for tougher growth such as brambles and ivy. Protective gloves come in the box.
It's a total weed killer. Any spray that lands on your lawn will kill the grass, so keep it well away from turf and plants you value.
What we like
- Commercial strength with 360 g/l of glyphosate
- Effective on all types of weeds according to Rootblast
- Kills weeds right down to the root
- Huge coverage once diluted
- Comes with protective gloves
What to know
- Kills grass and any plant it lands on
- Needs a pump sprayer and careful mixing
Our verdict
Rootblast is our pick if you're tackling a neglected garden, a long drive or a patio smothered in weeds and want maximum strength. You'll need a pump sprayer and a little care with the mixing. For a handful of weeds on a small patio, Roundup Fast Action or Resolva 24H is far simpler.
Best For Lawns
Weedol Concentrated Lawn Weed Killer
Best for: Dandelions, daisies and clover in the lawn
Check Price On AmazonWeedol's lawn weed killer is selective, which means it kills broadleaf weeds such as dandelions, daisies and clover while leaving the grass alone. Weedol says it contains no glyphosate.
You pour the concentrate into a sprayer or watering can and mix it with water using the instructions on the bottle, then treat the whole lawn or just the weedy patches. The 500 ml bottle treats up to 333 m² according to the brand, with results in 2 to 4 days from a single application. It breaks down in the soil and is safe for children and pets once dry.
Timing matters with lawn weed killers. Weedol recommends using it between April and September, when the weeds are growing strongly and take the product in.
What we like
- Kills lawn weeds without harming the grass
- Mixing instructions for sprayer or watering can
- 500 ml treats up to 333 m², says Weedol
- One application does the job
- Breaks down in the soil once applied
What to know
- Only for broadleaf weeds, not weed grasses or moss
- Works best between April and September
Our verdict
Dandelions, daisies and clover dotted through otherwise healthy grass are exactly what Weedol is for. Being selective, it lets you treat the lawn without killing it, and a single application does the job. Its one limit is moss, which it won't touch, so a mossy lawn needs a different product.
Best Weed & Feed
Miracle-Gro Complete 4 in 1
Best for: Feeding the whole lawn while clearing weeds and moss
Check Price On AmazonMiracle-Gro Complete 4 in 1 is a granular lawn treatment that kills weeds and moss, feeds the grass and helps it thicken up and green over. It's one of our picks for the best moss killers for lawns too, and it worked well on the weeds in our own lawn.
You can scatter it by hand, but we used a garden spreader, and we'd recommend one. It puts the granules down evenly, which avoids striped patches where some areas get too much and others too little.
Because it's a whole-lawn treatment, it isn't the right tool for picking off a few weeds in one corner. Use it when the entire lawn needs some care.
What we like
- Feeds the grass for a greener, thicker lawn
- Killed the weeds on our lawn when we tested it
- Tackles moss as well as weeds
- Spreads evenly with a garden spreader
What to know
- Hard to target a few weeds as it's made for the whole lawn
Our verdict
The trade-off with Miracle-Gro Complete 4 in 1 is that it treats the whole lawn or nothing. That's a strength when the grass is thin, mossy and weedy all at once, since one feed sorts all three. Put it down with a spreader for an even finish. For a few dandelions on a lawn that's otherwise fine, the Weedol is more targeted.
Best For Driveways
Job Done Path Weed Killer
Best for: Block paving and patios where you want weeds kept away
Check Price On AmazonWeeds love the joints in block paving and patios, and the Job Done Path formula is made for exactly those surfaces. It kills the weeds that are there and then stops new ones coming through for a while.
According to the brand, it kills all types of weeds in less than 24 hours and protects against new growth for up to 3 months. We didn't notice any weeds coming back on the paving we treated during that 3 month period, which saves repeat spraying.
It's ready to use and comes in 1, 2.5 and 3 litre bottles, with the 3 litre bottle supplied with a trigger for easier spraying. Keep it well away from the lawn and borders.
What we like
- Made for driveways, patios and paths
- Handled deep-rooted weeds as well as surface growth
- No regrowth on our treated paving over 3 months
- Choice of 1, 2.5 and 3 litre bottles
- Ready to use with no mixing
What to know
- Can't be used on or near lawns
- Relatively expensive compared with other weed killers
Our verdict
Block paving drives and patio joints that keep sprouting weeds are where Job Done Path earns its place, because the residual protection means fewer repeat sprays through the season. It is relatively expensive, so for a quick kill on a few weeds the budget Resolva 24H makes more sense. Never use it near the lawn or anywhere you plan to plant.
Best Value
Resolva 24H Ready To Use Weed Killer
Best for: A few weeds on paths and patios on a budget
Check Price On AmazonResolva 24H is the budget pick, and it's a sensible buy for small jobs. It comes in sizes from a 1 litre trigger bottle up to 5 litre power pump bottles, and for a few weeds on a path or patio the 1 litre bottle is plenty.
Resolva says you'll see visible effects within 5 minutes and the weeds will be dead within 24 hours. It's made for paths, patios and drives and copes with grasses, docks, nettles, dandelions and bindweed. It breaks down naturally in the soil, and refills are available for the pump bottles.
The trigger bottle is fine for a small patch but gets tiring on a big area. For larger spaces, the power pump version is easier on your hand.
What we like
- Visible results in 5 minutes according to Resolva
- Bottle sizes from 1 to 5 litres
- Power pump bottle and refills available
- Breaks down naturally in the soil
- Low cost for small weeding jobs
What to know
- Trigger bottle gets tiring on larger areas
Our verdict
Resolva 24H suits anyone with a handful of weeds on a patio or path who wants a fast result for little money. The trigger bottle gets tiring on a bigger patch, so go for the power pump version if there's more to cover. Like the others for paving, it's a total weed killer and needs keeping off the lawn.
How To Choose The Right Weed Killer
The weed killer aisle is full of bottles that look much the same, but they do very different jobs. Picking the right one comes down to where the weeds are growing, how many there are and how much effort you want to put into applying it.
Total Or Selective
A total weed killer kills any plant it touches, grass included. That makes it right for paths, patios, drives and gravel, and completely wrong for a lawn. Roundup, Rootblast, Job Done and Resolva are all total weed killers.
A selective weed killer targets broadleaf weeds such as dandelions, daisies and clover and leaves the grass unharmed. Weedol Lawn Weed Killer and Miracle-Gro Complete 4 in 1 are both selective.
Ready To Use Or Concentrate
Ready-to-use sprays come mixed and go straight onto the weeds. They're easy and tidy for small and medium jobs, but you're paying for a lot of water in each bottle.
Concentrates need mixing with water and a pump sprayer or watering can, which takes a bit more care. In return, they're much cheaper per square metre and the strength of a commercial glyphosate makes short work of a badly overgrown area, as our patio photos show.
Systemic Or Contact
Systemic weed killers, including glyphosate, are absorbed by the leaves and carried down to the roots, so the whole weed dies and doesn't regrow. They take a few days to show results. Contact weed killers act faster on the leaves but can leave roots of perennial weeds alive. If you'd rather avoid chemicals entirely, a gas or electric weed burner is the alternative for paving.
Residual Protection
Some path weed killers, like Job Done Path, carry on working for weeks or months after spraying to stop new weeds germinating in the joints. These are the best choice for block paving drives. Never use them anywhere you plan to plant.
Timing And Weather
Spray when weeds are actively growing in spring and summer, on a dry, still day with no rain due. Wind carries spray onto plants you want to keep, and rain washes it off before it's absorbed. Once the weeds are dead, rake them out and give the paving a clean, which our guide to cleaning patio slabs properly walks through.
Weed Killer Questions From Our Readers
How long does weed killer take to work?
Weed killer takes anything from a day to a few days to show visible results, depending on the formula, the weather and the weed. Roundup Fast Action quotes 1 to 2 days and Resolva 24H claims visible effects within minutes. Our glyphosate-treated patio wilted within days and browned off soon after. Leave weeds in place until fully brown so the product reaches the roots.
Will weed killer harm my lawn?
A total weed killer such as Roundup or Rootblast will kill any grass it touches, so never use one on a lawn. Lawn weed killers like Weedol are selective, which means they kill broadleaf weeds and leave the grass healthy. Read the label before you buy, as the bottle states clearly whether it's safe on lawns.
Should you pull weeds after spraying them?
Don't pull weeds straight after spraying, as the weed killer needs time to travel from the leaves down to the roots. Wait until the weed has turned brown and died off completely, then rake or pull it out. Pulling too early leaves live roots behind, and the weed grows back.
When is the best time of year to use weed killer?
The best time to use weed killer is from spring through to early autumn while weeds are growing strongly, because actively growing plants absorb the product faster. Choose a dry, calm day with no rain forecast. Lawn weed killers such as Weedol are best applied between April and September.
Which weed killer would you reach for first on a patio?
Roundup Fast Action is the one we'd pick up first. It comes ready mixed in a pump bottle, so there's no measuring, and the extending wand puts the spray right onto each weed without you bending double. On a big patio, your hand will thank you for skipping the trigger bottle.
Is Job Done Path Weed Killer worth the extra over Resolva 24H?
It's worth it on block paving and patio joints that keep sprouting weeds. The brand says it protects against new growth for up to 3 months, and we didn't notice weeds returning on the paving we treated in that time. It's relatively expensive, so Resolva 24H makes more sense for a few weeds.
Can I use Roundup Fast Action near the edge of my lawn?
Keep it well back from the lawn, because Roundup Fast Action is a total weed killer and kills grass as well as weeds. The extending wand helps you aim at each weed, but it won't stop drift or splash. For weeds in the grass itself, use the selective Weedol Concentrated Lawn Weed Killer instead.
Is Rootblast too strong for a small patio?
For a handful of weeds, yes. Rootblast is a commercial-strength concentrate with 360 g/l of glyphosate, and Rootblast says a litre covers roughly 1,666 m² when mixed correctly. It needs a pump sprayer and careful mixing, so it suits neglected gardens and long drives. Roundup Fast Action or Resolva 24H is simpler on a small patio.
Which Weed Killer We'd Pick
Roundup Fast Action is the weed killer we'd reach for first on paths, patios and drives, thanks to its ready-to-use formula and handy extending wand. For lawns, Weedol Concentrated Lawn Weed Killer clears dandelions and clover without harming the grass.
If your garden is badly overgrown, the Rootblast concentrate and a pump sprayer will clear it, and one bottle goes a long way. For stumps left behind after clearing, our pick of the best tree stump killers covers what to use next.
Archie is our gardening specialist. He started out as an apprentice at a gardening firm, built up his own knowledge from there and now writes most of our garden content.