Last Updated on May 18, 2022 by Grow with Bovees
Killing thick, heavy, brush and weeds from your yard can be a daunting prospect. Some of these weeds are extremely tough, and require a very strong herbicide or selective brush killer to kill them.
What can you do to get rid of them and does a brush killer kill grass?
The first thing you need to do is find the best brush killer to be able to kill weeds and get your garden back to its best.
Here’s Our Quick Picks;
There are lots of weed killers out there to deal with overgrown tough weeds and brush, and you need to make sure that the one you choose is effective and suitable for the area of broadleaf plants you need to treat.
We can help you find the right brush killer for your application. By checking out our guide below, we will share with you what you should be looking for in the best brush killer out there. Our favorite of the best brush killers is the Roundup Concentrate to kill brush and all of your weeds.
The best brush killers on the market include:
- Roundup Concentrate and Garden Sprayer—Best Overall
- BrushTox Brush Killer with Triclopyr—Most Powerful
- Southern Ag CROSSBOW32 Weed & Brush Killer—Works Fast
- Spectracide Weed & Grass Killer Concentrate—Best Rain-Fast Spray
- BioAdvanced 704640B Brush Killer—Best Value
- Ortho MAX Poison Ivy & Tough Brush Killer with Comfort Wand—Easy To Use
- VPG Fertilome 32295 32Oz Brush Stump Killer—Best for Tree Stumps
Best Brush Killer Reviews
Roundup Concentrate and Garden Sprayer—Best Overall
The Roundup Concentrate Poison Ivy Plus Tough Brush Killer has a concentrated formula of two ingredients: glyphosate and triclopyr. These active ingredients penetrate the leaves, stems, and roots of the toughest weeds, killing them down to the ground.
It’s formulated to kill many types of weed or invasive ivy, such as poison ivy, poison sumac, and poison oak. This vine killer also kills invasive wild grapevines and can be used to kill tree stumps and prevent regrowth of a freshly cut stump when undiluted.
The Roundup concentrate can be diluted easily with water in the included sprayer, which then applies the weed killer directly where it’s needed the most, namely unwanted plants.
Once applied, this is then rainproof in just half an hour and gives visible results within 24 hours. If you do not see the results that you wanted after four weeks, give the tough plants a second application of the weed killer. You should make sure that they are thoroughly saturated.
As with most brush killers, you need to be careful when using the product close to flower beds and vegetable plots. This product will kill plants and anything that it touches, which is great for weeds but not for your plants and flowers.
The product is a real success when killing unwanted weeds but not great for you, your children, or your pets to be around.
Make sure that you’re wearing protective clothing and are careful not to inhale the fumes from the product. Children and pets should be kept away from the area where you are applying the killer.
Pros
- Kills brush and broadleaf weeds to the ground.
- Can kill poison ivy and other vines
- Rainproof in 30 minutes.
- Pressure release cap keeps vapor away.
- Easy to mix and apply in the Roundup sprayer.
Cons
- Can take longer than 24 hours to see results.
BrushTox Brush Killer with Triclopyr—Most Powerful
BrushTox Brush Killer is the answer to all your problems when controlling woody plants and broadleaf weeds. It’s a concentrated herbicide that works wonders against oaks, wild rose, morning glory, and sweetgum as well as Canada thistle, dog fennel, and poison ivy.
This heavy brush killer is powerful and contains 61 percent triclopyr, which can be toxic, so you need to be very careful when applying it, it can kill desirable plants. Make sure that you wear protective clothing and face wear when using this weed and brush killer, and be careful not to inhale it.
Once the BrushTox concentrate is diluted, just one bottle will treat up to one acre of land. The product goes a long way to getting rid of your problem woody brush with just one bottle.
Pros
- Very powerful.
- Quick results, works after only a few hours
- Will not kill grass.
- One bottle treats one acre.
Cons
- Can be toxic to you and surrounding plant growth, so you need to wear protective clothing.
- Pricier than other similar products
Southern Ag CROSSBOW Weed & Brush Killer—Works Fast
The Southern Ag brush killer gives excellent results, according to users. It can be used to control most weeds, as well as unwanted trees.
This weed and brush killer gives great results by getting rid of the following invasive problem plants: poison oak, creeping charlie, poison ivy, and bramble.
Due to the chemical ingredients in this product, it should be used in rangeland and non-crop areas.
You should take extra care if using the product on small areas close to lawns, woody plants, and flowerbeds.
The herbicide should be diluted with water before use and then can be sprayed on the problem areas to kill weeds. Make sure that the weed is saturated to be able to soak up the product into the roots.
The Southern Ag product is quick working, and you can start seeing results within a few hours. If you don’t see the results you want after 10 days, give them a second application.
Pros
- Quick to work.
- Safe to use near grass.
- Kills even the toughest weeds.
- Easy to use.
Cons
- Some may need a second application.
- Many weeds require a stronger concentration than what’s recommended on the instructions.
Spectracide Weed & Grass Killer Concentrate—Best Rain-Fast Spray
The Spectracide weed and grass killer concentrate is rainproof in just 15 minutes. This means that you don’t have to worry about the weather changing when applying the weed killer.
The weed killers concentrate can be used on all brush and broadleaf weeds in large areas or on pathways and in flower beds. It’s great for vegetation control and will bring your garden back to its best.
It’s recommended for use when the temperature is warmer, and you will get the best results at around 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15.56 °C).
You will start to see results in just three hours, and the brush killer will kill the weed directly at the root for more permanent results. You can begin to replant your flowers, shrubs, and trees the following day. This means that you can kill the weeds and replant new plants in one weekend.
Pros
- Rainproof in just 15 minutes.
- You can replant new flowers and shrubs the following day.
- It can treat flower beds as well as large areas.
- Suitable for use in warmer weather.
Cons
- Doesn’t always kill to the root.
- Instructions are confusing regarding quantities.
BioAdvanced 704640B Brush Killer—Best Value
The BioAdvanced Brush Killer Plus kills stubborn weeds and brush right down to the root. It kills over 70 different types of weeds and brush, including spurge weed, poison ivy, kudzu, wild blackberries, and bramble.
One bottle of diluted concentrate will cover up to one acre of land. The brush killer will be rainproof in around four hours, and you will see the results from one to six weeks.
You can also use the brush killer to kill tree stubs; this should be undiluted and applied with a paintbrush.
You should make sure that you wear protective gear and be careful not to inhale the fumes from this product. Also, be careful around your lawn and other plants, as this product can kill plants in nearby surroundings.
The BioAdvanced brush killer is excellent value for money and is less expensive than other brands. It gives impressive results for the money spent.
Pros
- Value for money.
- Kills over 70 different species of invaders
- Kills them down to the root.
- One bottle covers up to one acre.
Cons
- Only rainproof in four hours.
- Takes a while to see any results.
Ortho MAX Poison Ivy & Tough Brush Killer with Comfort Wand—Easy To Use
The Ortho MAX poison ivy plus tough brush killer is a powerful brush killer. It can easily kill over 60 different species of tough weeds, such as poison ivy, kudzu, poison oak, and wild blackberries.
The product is ready to use and comes with its own comfort wand for easy application. The spray wand has a one-touch continuous spray setting for easier use in larger grass pastures.
The brush killer is rainproof in two hours and can be used in any area of your garden or yard. Be careful not to apply it close to your lawn, flowers, or other woody plants. The killer will kill everything that it comes into contact with.
You will start to see results in 24 hours; however, it could take a few weeks for certain weeds and brush.
The active ingredient in the brush killer is triclopyr, so be careful when using it in an area where your children or pets play, and make sure to wear protective gear when applying.
Pros
- Ready to use with included spray wand.
- You don’t have to worry about diluting.
- Start seeing results in 24 hours.
Cons
- It can take weeks for some weeds to die.
- Weeds grew back quickly for some users.
VPG Fertilome 32Oz Brush Stump Killer—Best for Tree Stumps
The VPG Fertilome brush stump killer is a fantastic product to use to kill stumps and tough brush such as poison ivy, unwanted woody plants, or invasive vines.
It’s a concentrate that should be diluted as per the instructions for killing brush. It can be used undiluted on tree stubs and should be painted on using a paintbrush.
The active ingredient in the brush killer is triclopyr, so take care and don’t use it when your children or pets are around. You should also wear protective gear and be careful not to inhale the fumes from the product.
This brush and vine killer will work on over 60 different species of brush and weeds, and you will start to see results in one week. Some types of brush or weeds can take up to six weeks to see any lasting results.
If you are using the product to kill vines that are close to other plants, cut the vine first. You should then apply the brush killer with a paintbrush as you would for a tree stump.
Pros
- Ideal for use on tree stubs
- Works well on thick vines.
- Long-lasting results.
Cons
- Takes time to see results.
- Smaller bottle comes with an applicator; users think the 32 oz product should also.
- Will kill all the vegetation
Brush Killer Buying Guide
There are so many options out there when it comes to buying the best brush killer on the market.
Every product of reviewed weed killers claims that they are the best brush killer on the market. With this in mind, you should make sure that you choose the right product for the land that you need to treat.
Not every brush killer is suitable for all types of gardens or yards. Some can do more damage than good if not used correctly. Make sure that you check what areas the brush killer should be safely used on. It should then be applied according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
We will give you some tips on what you should be looking for when choosing the best brush killer for you. This will ensure that your garden is brush-free for summer.
What Does Brush Killer Kill?
The strength of the brush killer will depend on the chemicals and ingredients added and the concentration of these.
A concentrated brush killer is created to kill almost all species of brush and stubborn weeds, such as poison ivy, poison oak, Virginia creeper, kudzu, blackberry, and bramble. Many brush killers can also kill stumps, preventing any regrowth.
As weed killers are strong, you should be careful when using it close to your lawn grasses, flowerbeds, or any desirable plants and vegetable plots. It’s able to quickly kill tough brush, so it will have no trouble to kill woody plants, lawn and flowers. Use it in non crop areas only.
How Quickly Does Brush Killer Work?
Some brush killers have been known to give results in less than 24 hours. However, some can take weeks to give you the expected results. This will depend on the strength of the product, and also on the types of weeds that you are trying to kill.
Brush killer will start working as soon as it’s used, and you may see the change in your brush within hours. The weeds should be completely saturated for the best results.
The foliage may start to wilt soon after use. You will then have to be patient for the killer to spread throughout the stems and roots.
Some tough brush is difficult to kill and may require an additional application to kill it at the root.
If you haven’t seen the results you expected after around two weeks, give it another soaking with the brush killer spray.
What Type of Sprayer To Use?
Brush killer comes in different kinds of formulas that should be applied as recommended on the manufacturer’s instructions.
Some will be in a concentrate that should be diluted in a separate sprayer for application. Some will come ready-mixed and have a wand that you connect to the container for use.
You can also get products in a trigger spray that can be applied directly by opening the sprayer nozzle. Some sprayers have different nozzles so that they are suitable for all your spraying needs.
There are larger fan nozzles that give you more coverage on large grass pastures or smaller nozzles that can be used for more precise spraying. The smaller nozzles should be used when working close to flower beds, other woody plants, and your lawn.
You should be careful when using any type of backpack sprayer so that you don’t get any of the products on other plants or vegetation. You should also wear protective gear when using a sprayer so that the product doesn’t get on your clothes, face, or body.
When Is the Best Time to Spray Brush Killer?
Most brush killers can be used at all times but the best time would be on a dry, mild day with very little wind.
The product will need to be soaked into the weeds before getting them wet by rainfall. Spraying in the rain or when rain is forecast will hinder this process and dilute the brush killer.
If you’re unable to avoid the rain, choose something that becomes rainproof quickly, such as the Spectracide Weed & Grass Killer Concentrate or the Roundup Concentrate. When it’s stopped raining for a small while, spray the herbicide, and it’ll be rainproof within half an hour or so.
You should also avoid spraying on windy days as this will spread the product. You may end up killing your favorite plants, vegetables, or lawn by accident.
Some brush killers work better in certain seasons, and spring would be the best season to spray. This is due to the weeds being at their weakest as they are in the pre-growth season. Spraying them at this time of year will stop them from sprouting and should give you a weed-free summer.
Are Brush Killers Safe for Children or Pets?
Brush killers contain toxic chemicals as these are required to kill the brush and prevent regrowth. When using these, you should keep your children and pets away from the area that you have sprayed.
Glyphosate and triclopyr are toxic ingredients used in brush killers and should be avoided if used around children or pets. Fluazifop is not generally toxic but can be an irritant when on the skin or close to your eyes.
The manufacturer’s instructions will tell you when the product is safe to allow your children and pets to be around. This could range from some hours to a couple of weeks, so make sure that you read the instructions properly to keep everyone safe.
There are safer, organic weed killer products out there that can be used without any danger to your children or pets. However, these may not be sufficient on tough brush or as effective as chemical killers due to the ingredients used.
When Does Weed Killer Expire?
These products generally have a long shelf life with no expiration date. However, you should always check the product container for details before using it at a later date.
They should be stored correctly in a cool, dry location with the lid tightly sealed. Do not store in direct sunlight or hot temperatures.
You can help to extend the life of the weed killer and keep the ingredients active by shaking the container every couple of months. This will prevent the active ingredients from settling at the bottom of the container.
Brush It Off
A brush killer could be the answer to all of your problems with overgrown invaders in your garden. There are so many products out there to choose from, and they come at different strength levels with various chemical ingredients. You need to select the best brush killer for you and your outdoor space, and hopefully, our guide on reviewed brush killers has made this job a little easier.
Before buying, you should look at the area you need to treat, and the time it will take to get results. You should also look at the active ingredients in the product, especially if you have children or pets around.
Many of these products can be dangerous, not only to plants but to people and their pets. With this in mind, always wear protective gear when applying them, and be careful not to inhale any of the fumes or get the product on your skin.
Our favorite brush killer would be the Roundup Concentrate, as this is a great all-around brush and weed killer that is rainproof in just 30 minutes and gives you excellent, long-lasting results.
A close runner-up would be the BrushTox Brush Killer with Triclopyr. This is a super powerful brush killer that kills pretty much all weeds right down to the root.
We hope that our guide has given you the information that you need to choose the best brush killer. Once you get the right one, your yard will thank you and will look better than ever!
References:
https://extension.psu.edu/introduction-to-weeds-and-herbicides
https://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$Department/deptdocs.nsf/all/agdex33/$FILE/606-2.pdf
https://extension.psu.edu/one-herbicide-mix-to-do-it-all-almost