Liquid Weed Killer vs. Granular Weed Killer – Which is Better?
When shopping for a lawn care service or to Do-It-Yourself, you’ll likely notice two options for weed control – liquid and dry (or “granular”) formulations.
Home & Garden stores often sell D.I.Y. granular weed control products. So which is better?
The Differences Between Liquid Weed Killer and Granular Weed Killer
Liquid Weed Killer
Liquid weed killer is just that – the herbicide is mixed in water and is then sprayed with equipment designed for this purpose.
The equipment can be as sophisticated as a riding machine that is calibrated to apply extremely precise amounts of the weed control or as simple as a hand-held pump-up can or backpack sprayer.
The more sophisticated equipment allows the user to apply just the right amount of weed control needed – not too much (which would be wasteful and could damage the grass) or too little (which might not control the weeds).
On the other hand, a pump-up or backpack sprayer is inexpensive and readily available. These are less accurate but can still be effective when used properly.
Granular Weed Killer
Granular (or dry) weed killer, on the other hand, looks similar to granular fertilizers.
The granules are small pellets coated with an herbicide.
These products are applied with push spreaders, hand-held ‘whirly-bird’ spreaders, or, more accurately, powered spreading equipment.
A Comparison Between Granular Weed Killer & Liquid Weed Killer
Ease of Use
- Liquid Weed Control typically needs to be mixed with water. This means measuring the concentrate and mixing it with the appropriate amount of water.
- Granular Weed Control just needs to be put in the spreader, and it’s ready to use.
Winner: Granular Weed Control
Application Process
- After the mixing is done with the liquid weed control, the application process has a similar level of difficulty. With both materials, you need to be attentive and use the right amount in the right areas.
Winner: TIE
Overall Results
Both granular and liquid weed killers can be very effective; however, remember that the material must stick to the leaf of the weed in order for it to be absorbed into the plant and translocate down to the plant’s root system.
These materials are ‘foliar’ weed controls. This means they have to be absorbed into the plant through the foliage (leaves) of the weed.
- Granular weed killer works best when applied to wet weeds. Without the surface moisture, the granules mostly roll off the leaf, reducing potential control.
- Liquid weed control can be applied when the weeds are wet or dry, which makes it a much more versatile option.
Winner: Liquid Weed Control
Our Pick for the Best Type of Weed Killer
Both liquid and granular weed control products are readily available to both professionals and homeowners.
While there can be a difference between professional products and home-use products, most granular and liquid weed control products have the potential to control the entire plant, including the roots.
If you’re looking for a quick D.I.Y. method to gain some control of the weeds in your lawn and don’t mind waiting to do the applications until the lawn is wet, granular weed control may be the answer.
Liquid weed control is the go-to product for most professional lawn care service providers. It controls a variety of weeds – quickly and effectively.
According to Purdue University Turfgrass Science, liquid sprays tend to be more successful than their granular counterparts, simply because the liquid formulation is sprayed across the weed’s leaf surface and does not rely on additional moisture to stick to the leaf.
Once dried, these liquid products stay on the leaf surface even if rainfall occurs.
If you’re considering a professional lawn care service or looking to eliminate difficult weeds yourself, liquid weed control is generally the best option.
The characteristics of the liquid weed control formulations provide more consistent results, especially on the stubborn weeds we often experience in lawns.
Green Giant’s Pick: Liquid Weed Control
If you are interested in Green Giant’s services, we would like to answer any questions you have! Request a Free Estimate