The 10+ Best Non-Toxic Weed Killers For A Greener Garden

Are you a suburban homeowner desperate to stop the relentless advance of noxious crabgrass or dandelions on your well-manicured lawn? Or maybe you’re a city dweller with unsightly weeds popping out of the tiniest sidewalk cracks in front of your rowhome.

Fortunately, you don’t have to resort to harmful chemicals to eliminate weeds from your property. The best non-toxic weed killers will take care of it for you. Plus, you’ll keep your family and pets safe!

As an avid gardener, I’ve tried many products with varying levels of success. Here are my top recommendations for the best non-toxic weed killers.  

Selective vs. Non-Selective Weed Killers

Selective weed killers target (select) weeds and kill only them, leaving unharmed any grass, flowers, or vegetables coming in contact with them. These products are suitable for use over large areas of lawn where you may have weeds spread out over the entire area.

By contrast, non-selective weed killers will indiscriminately kill any plant—including grass—that it touches. In other words, they are non-selective in what they kill. To avoid unwanted plant loss or lawn damage, it’s important to apply non-selective weed killers directly—and only—on unwanted weeds.

To make it easier to meet your needs and avoid confusion, we’ve recommended both types of products by category (selective or non-selective) below. 

Ingredients In Non-Toxic Weed Killers

Non-selective and non-toxic weed killers on the market today have one or more of the following ingredients—found in or derived from nature—to kill or retard weed growth:

• Acids (acetic acid, citric acid)
• Iron compounds 
• Herbicidal soaps
• Salt (sodium chloride) 
• Essential oils (citronella, pine, clove, peppermint, etc.) 
• Corn gluten

With the exception of natural weed killers containing an iron compound that kills roots, all non-toxic herbicides:

• Work on contact only (not systemic)
• Are non-selective
• Act fast (within minutes) 
• Most effective when it’s hot (80°F+), sunny, and dry out (low humidity)
• Kills non-established (young with 2-3 leaves) weeds better than older weeds
• Require multiple applications for established (large) weeds, especially those with tap roots (for example, dandelion, Canada thistle)

Systemic vs. Contact Weed Killers

Weed killers that work from the inside out are called systemic. The weed absorbs the active ingredient of the herbicide. This substance adversely disrupts one or more reaction pathways involved in normal cell functioning. As a result, the weed dies. 

Both glyphosate (the active component of RoundUp) and 2,4-D are systemic weed killers. While glyphosate is a non-selective herbicide, negatively affecting all plants it encounters, 2,4-D is selective, targeting specific weeds only. 

On the other hand, a contact weed killer affects only the external plant tissues that it touches, such as stems and leaves. Usually, contact weed killers act fast, but they do not kill the weeds they come in contact with.

The reason why they don’t is that contact weed killers never get to the underground roots. So, weeds damaged by contact weed killers will grow back from these roots. To be successful, contact weed killers must be applied often and repeatedly, usually through high-volume applications each time. 

Why Choose Non-Toxic Weed Killers Over Conventional Herbicides?

Government institutions, like the U.S. military, and large corporations, as well as consumers, are continually adding pollutants—including herbicides—to the environment.

They may not be putting them there intentionally, but run-off dneng rainstorms will deposit them in waterways, air, and soil. Using conventional weed killers contributes to this influx of toxic chemicals.

There are specific environmental and human health impacts from using conventional herbicides.

Environmental Impacts of Weed Killers

Ecosystems are collapsing in part due to the cumulative toxicity of pollutants. Everything that people spray on their property percolates down into groundwater or is washed away into sewer systems eventually winding up in rivers and oceans.

In the process, aquatic animals and plants are harmed or killed. Reduced fertility and genetic damage are common, compromising the health of aquatic and marine populations as well as ecosystem integrity.   

Increasing use of biocides like RoundUp are associated with declines in butterfly populations and immuno-compromised bees.

Human Health Impacts of Weed Killers

Exposure to common weed killers may result in cancer. Tens of thousands of lawsuits have been filed against Bayer, the manufacturer of RoundUp herbicide, alleging that exposure to the weed killer resulted in major illness, especially non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. To date, many of these lawsuits have been adjudicated, awarding billions of dollars to the plaintiffs.

Incidentally, Bayer announced that to control litigation risks, they are removing glyphosate from RoundUp in the U.S. for residential uses only by 2023.

A study published in 2023 using 2013-14 data from 1532 U.S. adults based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) taken by members of the general public, found 80% had detectable levels of glyphosate in their urine. 

Statistical analyses revealed individuals with higher levels of glyphosate had lower cognitive function scores, greater odds of severe depressive symptoms, and increased risk of serious hearing difficulty. Although associations do not imply causation, the investigators noted further study is needed on the effects of glyphosate on the general population.

Some conventional weed killers may be endocrine disruptors. This means they cause hormonal imbalances, frequently leading to thyroid problems or reproductive dysfunction. Human growth and development may be affected. Birth defects are possible. Researchers also observed associations between certain herbicides and gut microbiome disruption.

Toxic Ingredients to Avoid in Conventional Weed Killers

The labels on many conventional weed killers do not list all of the ingredients in the bottles. Manufacturers claim it’s proprietary knowledge and are protected by law to withhold this information.

So, it’s no exaggeration to say, when it comes to weed killers: buyer, beware.

Here is a brief description of the current state of knowledge gleaned from peer-reviewed science regarding the most common ingredients in conventional weed killers.

You will not easily find this information in search engines that seem to promote the products of major corporations and show you websites financially supported by said corporations or their industry trade groups. When you come across the latter, you’re led to believe these chemicals are harmless. Or, you may be told that the peer-reviewed evidence is faulty and instructed not to believe it. 

Please use your own best judgment. Do further research if warranted.

Glyphosate

Glyphosate, N-(phosphonomethyl) glycine, is the most common herbicide in the world, in use since 1974. Today, over 750 different products contain glyphosate, but the most widely known is RoundUp. Glyphosate is also used as a desiccant (drying agent) on crops such as wheat.

The major driver in its top-selling success has been the development of genetically engineered, glyphosate-resistant crops in 1996. Currently, over 90% of soy, corn, and cotton crops grown in the U.S. fit this description. In other words, farmers may spray glyphosate on cropland riddled with weeds, killing only the weeds. Glyphosate residues are found in many food products not certified organic because of widespread glyphosate spraying the world over.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) has classified glyphosate as having “relatively low” oral and dermal acute toxicity. So, in 2013, after a petition by Monsanto, maker of glyphosate at the time, USEPA doubled the permissible level of glyphosate residues in oilseeds and raised it 15 times the previous level for two vegetables. 

Yet several studies strongly suggest that glyphosate has high chronic toxicity. This means living organisms exposed repeatedly to glyphosate are prone to several adverse health impacts. The fact that 80% or more of animals and humans tested for glyphosate in their urine carry high levels compared to Europeans where glyphosate is largely banned or heavily restricted, testifies to repeated exposure whether knowingly or not.

Studies also show that regular use of glyphosate makes its biodegradation in soil more difficult than previously believed. It, or its major breakdown product, tends to remain in soil for months or even years. Since glyphosate dissolves readily in water, its long-term presence in soil means it can readily percolate down to groundwater, contaminating it.

Another reason why glyphosate is more toxic than previously believed is that the adjuvants added to commercial formulations to render the herbicide more potent were not considered in toxicity studies on glyphosate by itself.

In 2015, due to the growing body of research on the health effects of chronic exposure to glyphosate, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) of the World Health Organization (WHO) classified glyphosate as probably carcinogenic to humans.

A 2019 study by former USEPA science review board members suggested evidence for a cancer-glyphosate link was strong, contrary to that government agency’s official position. 

Atrazine

As the second most commonly used herbicide in U.S. agriculture, especially on corn and sugarcane since 1958, atrazine garnered notoriety by biologist Tyrone Hayes, hired by Syngenta, the manufacturer of atrazine. Employed to investigate its product, Hayes showed how exposure to atrazine in frogs led to gender switching (male to female), extra legs, and other deformities.

Not exactly what Syngenta had in mind, so they sought to ruin Hayes’ professional reputation as described in this article.

Atrazine, (6-chloro-N-ethyl-N’-(1-methylethyl)-triazine-2,4-diamine), is chemically related to two other herbicides, simazine and propazine. They are known as “triazines.” These herbicides work by interrupting photosynthesis, the process by which plants make food. In effect, atrazine starves plants to death from the roots where it is absorbed systemically then travels up through the entire plant. Because it is a selective herbicide (see above), it will kill only weeds.

In the U.S., atrazine is the most common pesticide in groundwater where it can remain for decades. It is prevalent in farm run-0ff, contaminating waterways where it kills or deforms aquatic animals and plants. Depending on level and exposure length/frequency, birds and mammals could be harmed. This herbicide can enter groundwater where it remains for a long time. USEPA is re-evaluating acceptable levels in drinking water and agricultural run-off, but no final ruling has been published at the time of writing.

This herbicide travels far on airborne dust before it winds up in your home or in streams. In one case, it traveled 180 miles from the nearest application site! 

Although, as described earlier in this article, it may not be atrazine itself, as the active ingredient, causing these environmental harms. Inactive (inert) ingredients may be responsible for them. But since they’re proprietary, we’ll never know exactly what substance(s) is the causative agent doing the damage. 

Homeowners may find atrazine in weed killer products labeled as weed and feed. This means the weed killer is mixed with fertilizer. The idea is you’d save time by treating your lawn just once.

2,4-D

The third most popular herbicide in U.S. agriculture, available for sale by general consumers for residential use, is 2,4-D, (2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid). Its use dates back to the 1940s, sold as the popular brand, Weedone. It is also sprayed on many crops including soy, corn, wheat, and sugarcane. 2,4-D is one of two active ingredients in Agent Orange, used in the Vietnam war. 

There are at least 17 diseases caused by Agent Orange exposure including:

• Cancer
• Heart disease
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Birth defects

Proponents of 2,4-D, including the USEPA, are quick to point out that 2,4-D is not Agent Orange. They claim dioxin contamination contributed to the wartime’s herbicide toxicity, but 2,4-D used today on your lawn is made in a way that dioxin, a known carcinogen, is not a likely byproduct. However,  USEPA’s own review (in Appendix E) states dioxin contamination is still possible.

In 2014, as some weed species began developing resistance to glyphosate, USEPA approved the use of Enlist Duo, 2,4-D mixed with glyphosate, although several states had already been using it. Farmers used it especially on soy and corn genetically engineered to be resistant to the mixture. Enlist Duo was effective in killing weeds. 

2,4-D works by mimicking a plant hormone called auxin. It causes uncontrolled and disorganized cell growth, leading quickly to plant death.

In environmental studies, 2,4-D has been found inside homes on dust, even if the weed killer had not been sprayed recently in the area. This is due to its being prone to drift far from application sites. It is a common water contaminant. 

2,4-D is toxic to birds, bees, fish, and other aquatic organisms. Just as heavy glyphosate use resulted in weed resistance to it, leading to the evolution of  “superweeds,” the same phenomenon is occurring with 2,4-D. When confronted by weeds resistant to 2,4-D, homeowners tend to use more of the product than prescribed. This practice inadvertently speeds up the weeds’ ability to resist the herbicide.

Despite the USEPA calling 2,4-D non-carcinogenic, in 1987, the International Agency of Research on Cancer (IARC) categorized all chlorophenoxy herbicides—including 2,4-D— as “possibly carcinogenic to humans.” So, it’s understandable that dogs who lie on or eat grass treated with 2,4-D have increased rates of cancer. 

DIY Non-Toxic Weed Killer Recipes

As we’ve mentioned above, it may take repeated applications of a non-toxic weed killer before you completely banish them from your garden or lawn. This could become expensive—and produce a lot of plastic bottles that will end up in a landfill or the ocean.

For sidewalk or driveway cracks, just add table salt crystals and watch weeds wither away in the next rain. Be careful not to place salt where you have plants you want to keep.

The budget solution for a DIY non-toxic weed killer is to add salt into vinegar with or without a biodegradable soap or yucca extract and spray directly onto the weeds. The soap/yucca extract is important if you have weeds with waxy leaves because it will help the weed killer stick to them. You can use an empty spray bottle of a weed killer product you’ve already used. Repeat spraying if needed every 2 weeks (not more often) until the weeds are gone. Drench weeds for maximum effectiveness.

Here’s a recipe:

• 1 gallon horticultural vinegar (20% acetic acid)
• 8 oz. of table salt (or as much as will dissolve)
• 2 tablespoons of a biodegradable soap or yucca extract (optional)    

CAUTION: Concentrated acetic acid is a serious skin, eye, and lung irritant. Take care not to spill it on yourself, spray into your face, or breathe deeply into an open bottle. Do not apply to the plants you want to keep.

Non-Toxic Ways to Kill Weeds Naturally

Here are a few eco-friendly ways to deal with weeds.

1. If you’d like to tread lightly on the earth, the best non-toxic weed killer is…YOU! Don gardening gloves and pull out unwanted plants by the roots. For unwanted plants that have extensive underground root runners, like blackberries or poison ivy, a shovel may come in handy. Dig deeply and pull. 🙂

2. Some weed busting gardening tools that come in handy:

Hori hori: Looks like a machete with a serrated side knife, and works! An advanced hand spade that slices effortlessly through soil to get the weeds that just don’t want to leave your lawn or garden.

Grandpa’s Weeder: Use this standing up. Works best for weeds that are 6-12 inches tall. Just press down on the lever with your foot so the claw encloses the weed entirely. Lean the tool in the direction you stepped on it and out comes the weed. Easy Peasy!

3. The perfect use for empty mulch or soil conditioner bags is to smother weeds with them. Place over the weedy area and weigh it down with heavy rocks or bricks. For larger areas, split the bag along its side seams. Give it 1-2 weeks. Then pull out the dead weeds. Do not use it as compost because sleeping weed seeds may come back to life just when you don’t want them to. 😉

4. Pour boiling water directly on weeds. I’m not a big fan of this method because you’re essentially watering the soil around the weed, encouraging more weed growth! If you can target the water stream directly to the weed by itself, and the scalding water seeps down to the roots, this strategy could work. Be careful! Risk of serious burns.

5. To prevent unwanted weed seeds from getting a foothold in your garden or lawn, be proactive. 

• Add more desirable plants to your garden or raised bed to crowd out weeds.
• Overseed your lawn annually.
• Make sure the soil pH is appropriate for your plants.
• Prevent or reverse the conditions that favor weed growth. These are, for example:
  • Overly compacted soils
  • Overwatering 
  • Over Fertilizing, especially with nitrogen and/or at the wrong times
• In any open spaces in your garden, lay cardboard—even small pieces—and cover it with 4-6 inches of mulch. In the summer, after 2-3 weeks, remove any dead weeds. Do not till the soil to stir up more weed seeds. Then seed it as you like or transplant plants you want.

Non-Toxic Weed Killer FAQs

Do non-toxic weed killers harm pollinators?

Truly non-toxic weed killers are designed not to harm pollinators. To be sure, ask the product’s manufacturer to show you toxicity test results. Search on the websites of nonprofits such as Beyond Pesticides for independent test results and expert opinions that aren’t motivated by profit. 

Is Scott’s Turf Builder Weed and Feed non-toxic?

Scott’s Turf Builder Weed and Feed is not a non-toxic weed killer. Among its active ingredients is dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, a lab-made chemical with toxic effects. 

How often should I apply non-toxic weed killer to keep weeds out of my lawn or garden?

The best rule of thumb here, like with every lawn care product, is to follow the directions on the label. Some weed killers must be applied only during certain times of the year—or at certain times of the day—to be effective. 

In most cases, spraying or applying weed killer when the weeds are just sprouting is crucial. If the directions specify that the product must be applied over all surfaces of plants, including the undersides of leaves, make sure you do that.

In some cases, depending on weed species and the age of individual weeds, you may need to do repeated applications to eliminate them once and for all. 

How can I be sure if my organic lawn care company is using truly non-toxic weed killers?

As a customer, you have every right to know what the lawn care company is putting on your lawn before they arrive. Ask to see the labels of the products they are using. If no ingredients are listed, consider that a red flag and look elsewhere for an organic lawn care company. 

If there are ingredients with long, complex names with numbers that appear like the name of a lab-made chemical and are difficult to pronounce, do research on potential toxicity before a scheduled appointment. The same applies to harmless-sounding brand names which could be stand-ins for harmful chemical names. Usually, they are to be avoided for health and safety reasons.

Another tactic is to ask if pets or children can play on the lawn immediately after application of their products. If they’re being honest, and say no, take that as a red flag, too. 

Final Fhoughts On The Best Non-Toxic Weed Killers

Non-toxic weed killers do not contain harmful chemicals such as 2,4-D or glyphosate. Instead, they usually contain some combination of vinegar, salt, and essential oils. Non-toxic weed killers are safe around kids and pets.

When applied as directed, the best non-toxic weed killers will eliminate weeds from your lawn or garden. Based on personal experience, we’ve listed our top choices in this article.