Weed killers are designed to kill plants, so it stands to reason that they would also kill flowers. However, not all weed killers are created equal. Some are more selective about the plants they kill, while others will kill any plant they come across, even flowers.
Selective weed killers are herbicides that kill specific weeds without harming the plants around them. They accomplish this by targeting the weed’s unique metabolism, causing them to die quickly. People often use this herbicide in lawns and gardens to get rid of certain weeds without hurting the plants around them.
Most selective weed killers contain one or more of the following herbicides: 2,4-D, dicamba, or triclopyr.
2,4-D is a broadleaf herbicide that kills dandelions, clover, and other common lawn weeds. Also, you don’t have to worry about killing your lawn by accident because it’s pretty safe to use around grasses.
Dicamba is another common broadleaf herbicide that controls everything from annual weeds to trees and shrubs. It’s a bit more toxic than 2,4-D, so take care when using it around desirable plants.
Triclopyr is a broadleaf and woody plant herbicide often used in forestry applications. It’s effective at killing tough weeds like Poison Ivy and Kudzu.
Are you ready for your lawn to turn green this year? Read on for our best early spring lawn care tips.
Non-selective weed killers are herbicides that kill any plant they come in contact with, including flowers. These herbicides work by causing cell death in the plant, resulting in a quick and complete kill.
Glyphosate is the most common type of non-selective herbicide. It’s often used in agriculture and for commercial weed control.
Glyphosate is a broad-spectrum herbicide, meaning it will kill most plants. It’s also very effective at killing weeds that have developed herbicide resistance.
People who don’t want to use synthetic chemicals can use organic weed killers instead of regular herbicides. These products typically use vinegar, salt, soap, or lemon juice as their active ingredient.
Most of the time, these don’t kill weeds as well as chemical ones, but they are safe to use around flowers and other plants.
Synthetic weed killers work best on most weeds, but organic weed killers are great for people who don’t want to use chemicals. These products typically contain one or more of the following herbicides: glyphosate, 2,4-D, dicamba, or triclopyr.
Weed and feed products are popular lawn care tools designed to fertilize grass and eliminate broadleaf weeds in one step. But many gardeners wonder – if I apply weed and feed to my lawn, will it also kill the flowers and ornamental plants growing around the perimeter?
Unfortunately, the answer is yes Weed and feed should never be allowed to contact flowers, vegetable gardens, trees, or shrubs you want to keep. The herbicide component lacks selectivity and will indiscriminately kill any broadleaf plant it touches
In this article, we’ll explain how weed and feed works, risks to flowers and gardens, and tips for safe application around your yard’s landscaping.
Understanding How Weed and Feed Products Work
Weed and feed combines two lawn care treatments – fertilizer and herbicide – into an easy “one and done” granular product.
The fertilizer provides nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to strengthen grass growth Meanwhile, the herbicide targets broadleaf weeds that invade lawns, such as
- Dandelions
- Clover
- Chickweed
- Oxalis
- Plantain
Most weed and feed herbicides contain either 2,4-D, MCPP, or a combination of both These chemicals mimic plant growth hormones to disrupt broadleaf weed development, causing death.
2,4-D, MCPP, and related herbicides are non-selective. They can’t distinguish between lawn weeds and your garden’s flowering plants, vegetables, trees, and shrubs. Contact with susceptible plants leads to the same growth disruption and plant death as in targeted weeds.
Dangers of Weed and Feed to Flowers and Gardens
Since the herbicide component lacks selectivity, allowing weed and feed granules to reach your yard’s ornamental plantings carries major risks, such as:
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Killed flowers and vegetables – Popular garden flowers like petunias, marigolds, and zinnias are broadleaf plants vulnerable to the weed and feed chemicals. Vegetable plants will also die if exposed.
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Damaged or killed trees and shrubs – Herbicide contact can seriously injure the leaves and stems of ornamental trees, shrubs, and hedges, potentially killing the plant or leaving it deformed.
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Spread into lawns via roots – Chemicals like 2,4-D can travel from the roots of killed plants into connecting lawn areas, potentially causing delayed damage.
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Drift onto plants – Granules sticking to shoes or lawn equipment can drift onto nearby gardens, causing spot damage.
The bottom line – weed and feed should never be used around valued ornamental plantings or vegetable gardens. The risk of inadvertent herbicide spread and plant injury is too high.
Tips for Safely Applying Weed and Feed
If you do plan to use weed and feed, here are some tips for protecting flowers and avoiding collateral damage:
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Carefully read and follow all label directions for application rates and timing. Never overapply.
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Manually weed a 3-5 foot buffer zone around gardens and landscaped areas before treating lawn areas.
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Use a drop spreader instead of a broadcast spreader, and set it to a low width. This helps control placement.
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Apply on a calm day to limit potential herbicide drift.
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Sweep up any granules that land on driveways, patios, sidewalks, etc to avoid tracking onto ornamental plantings.
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Irrigate immediately after application to minimize chemical kick up onto leaves.
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Avoid repeat applications within the same growing season.
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Consider spot treating weeds instead of blanket applications.
Safer Alternatives for Weed and Feed
Rather than risk collateral flower damage, consider these safer alternatives:
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Separate fertilizer and weed control steps – Using standalone organic fertilizer and targeted weed control methods is safer near gardens.
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Selective herbicides – Products with active ingredients like triclopyr and quinclorac only kill broadleaves and spare grass.
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Corn gluten – Used as a pre-emergent weed control, corn gluten inhibits seeds from sprouting. It won’t harm established plants.
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Manual weeding – Pulling weeds by hand poses no risks to flowers and eliminates the root system.
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Mulching – Mulch blocks light to suppress weeds without chemicals. Use around trees, shrubs, and garden perimeters.
While quick and convenient, weed and feed carries major risks of inadvertent damage to flowers, vegetables, trees, and other valued ornamental plants. Always exercise extreme caution when using these products or explore safer organic alternatives for a flourishing landscape that’s weed-free without the collateral damage.
Cover Weed With Milk Jug Trick
You can use the milk jug trick instead of herbicides if you don’t want to hurt your flowers too much. To do this, put a milk jug with the lid cut off over the weed while you spray it with herbicide.
This method will protect any surrounding plants or flowers from overspray.
What Is Spray Drift or Overspray?
Herbicide particles move through the air and land on nearby plants, hurting or killing them. This is called spray drift. This often happens when herbicides are applied in windy conditions.
Overspray occurs when herbicide particles land on areas you didn’t intend to treat. If you don’t have the right tools or don’t follow the directions on the label, this can happen when you use the herbicide.
Never spray too much or too far, and always follow the directions on the herbicide label. Also, only use the herbicide on days with little wind.
Also, make sure you have the right tools, like a pump sprayer or hose-end sprayer, to use the herbicide.
DON’T Use Weed & Feed!!! *USE THIS INSTEAD*
FAQ
Is there a weed killer that won’t kill flowers?
What plants does weed and feed kill?
How do you kill weeds in flower beds without killing flowers?
What are the disadvantages of weed and feed?
Can you use Weed and feed on flowers?
These would almost surely hurt your flowers. If you used the latter product, dig up your plants, wash the soil from their roots, plant in a new spot and keep your fingers tightly crossed. Q: Can you use “weed and feed” on flowers?
Are weed and feed fertilizers toxic?
Weed and feed fertilizers contain Atrazine, a toxic chemical herbicide that can damage your trees and shrubs, eventually resulting in their death if used year after year. If you read the back of your Weed and Feed fertilizer bag packaging, you’ll see the following kinds of warnings: “Do not use under trees, shrubs, bedding plants or garden plants.”
Do weed n feed products kill weeds?
Consumers should also realize that weed ‘n feed products may kill existing weeds, but do not prevent new weeds from growing. You can prevent new weeds from germinating by applying a pre-emergent herbicide during that first warm spell in spring and in the early fall.
Is weed and feed bad for trees and shrubs?
Weed and Feed is bad for Trees and Shrubs! Weed and feed fertilizers contain Atrazine, a toxic chemical herbicide that can damage your trees and shrubs, eventually resulting in their death if used year after year. If you read the back of your Weed and Feed fertilizer bag packaging, you’ll see the following kinds of warnings:
Does weed n feed kill dandelions?
A mix of three “phenoxy herbicides” called 2,4-D, dicamba and mecoprop typically blended together into weed killers and weed ‘n feed products, they kill broadleaf plants such as dandelions while sparing grass. The lure of convenience, and effective marketing, have made weed ‘n feed among the most frequently used lawn care products.
Should I give up weed ‘n feed?
Giving up the weed ‘n feed does not mean you’ll have to live with a weed strewn lawn. Organic lawn care practices, combined with nontoxic pre-emergent herbicides, will restore your weed patch to a healthy lawn, over time. Here are six reasons to avoid using synthetic weed ‘n feed products on your lawn. 1.