ProGreen's Top Recommendations for Total Weed Control
If you’re shopping for weed killer, you won’t be short of choice. There are quite literally thousands of different products on the market, each claiming to be better than the rest in some way. So where do you begin? How do you choose a weed killer that won’t let you down?
Choosing the right type of weed killer
Although there are a vast array of different brands and products out there, each formulation will fall into one of two categories. You’ve got selective weed killers, which are designed to only work on specific weeds (leaving the surrounding grass), and you’ve got total weed killers. We’re focusing on the latter in this article.
As the name suggests, total weed killers are just that: they act on all kinds of weeds and grasses, providing a potent, all-in-one solution to save you the hassle and expense of purchasing multiple products. Total weed killers are the most powerful and the easiest to use, as they work on a wide variety of plants.
Therein lies the main drawback of these products, however. Because they’re effective on all kinds of green plants, grass included, you have to be careful how (and where) you use them.
Where to use total weed killer
Because they’re not selective, if you’re trying to combat weeds that are surrounded by or growing in grass or plants you want to keep, total weed killers are best left on the shelf.
However, they’re perfect for use in the following scenarios and locations:
- Patios and paving slabs
- Gravel pathways and driveways
- Industrial sites and yards
- Construction zones
- Car parks
If there’s no surrounding vegetation to worry about though, total weed killers are the logical choice. Here are four of our favourites.
Our favourite products
You’ll notice that all four of the products listed below have one key ingredient in common: glyphosate. This is the world’s most widely used herbicide and is present in most of the best-selling products on the market.
The reason for this is simple: it’s highly effective. When the plant absorbs it, glyphosate blocks what’s called the shikimic pathway (which is responsible for developing the proteins that plants use to grow). With enough glyphosate in its system, the plant simply won’t be able to continue growing.
Glyphosate concentration isn’t the only determiner of an effective total weed killer, however. In fact, most of the products we’re about to cover contain similar amounts of the active ingredient. The secret to an effective weed killer lies in the rest of the formulation, which is designed to help transport the glyphosate to where it needs to be as quickly and efficiently as possible.
The following four products are among the best on the market.
Roundup ProActive
This popular product from renowned brand Roundup contains 360g/l of glyphosate, much like many other professional-grade options on the market. The brand’s patented blend of adjuvants allows ProActive to deliver impressive results within three weeks, fighting even the toughest and most stubborn weeds. It’s also been classified as non-hazardous by COSHH, allowing it to be used in public spaces.
Gallup Biograde
Containing the same concentration of glyphosate as its competitor, ProActive, Gallup Biograde is another popular choice that’s trusted by professionals across the UK. It can be used on waterways and, like ProActive, is safe for humans and pets.
Roundup ProVantage
Stepping things up a notch is Roundup ProVantage, the highest-concentration total weed killer that the brand offers. Packing a punch with 480g/l of glyphosate, ProVantage is efficient, works quickly and can help rid your land of particularly stubborn weeds.
Gallup Hi Aktiv
With an even higher concentration of glyphosate (490g/l), Hi Aktiv is undoubtedly one of the most potent weed killers on the market. Like its lower-concentration cousin Biograde, Hi Aktiv can be used safely in public spaces, including land next to water, forests and paved areas.
Need advice?
Need advice or guidance on applying weed killer or choosing the right product for your needs? Our BASIS qualified team is here to help. Get in touch with us today for expert advice!
