Pros and Cons of Non-Selective Commercial Herbicides

Weed problems can be persistent, so when you want to clear out an area, you’re probably worried about whether your herbicide will be effective. After all, how do you keep a dirt path, fence perimeter, or other outdoor space free of plants (the things that can grow out of concrete)?

At State Chemical, we manufacture and distribute various biological and chemical solutions, including non-selective weed killers. It can be tricky to find an herbicide that fits your specific needs, and it can be trickier still to determine whether that herbicide will be your solution in the long run.

To help you determine whether non-selective weed killers are right for you, we will explain what they are and their pros and cons. After reading, you’ll be prepared to make an informed decision on whether or not to purchase a non-selective weed killer.

What is a Commercial Non-Selective Herbicide?

A non-selective herbicide is a weed killer that kills off all plant life in the application area. This means it does not discriminate between plants—it will kill flowers just as easily as clover patches. While this makes it a harsh product, it also means it is highly effective.

If you are planning to treat an area that also contains plant life you don’t want to kill (e.g., grass), explore selective weed killers instead.

Pro: Non-Selective Herbicides Completely Clear an Area

The obvious pro of non-selective weed killers is that they eliminate all plant life from the application area, which can be very useful for certain situations. 

Suppose you have a fence lining your property, where thistles and long grasses frequently grow. You want to keep the area clear to avoid constant weeding, and you don’t have any plants in the area you want to maintain—you just want to eliminate the chore and keep your fence secure. This is the perfect situation to turn to a non-selective weed killer.

A non-selective herbicide will eliminate plant life from this area, keeping your fence line clear without constant weeding.

Con: Non-Selective Herbicides Kill Everything, Including Grass

The downside to this, of course, is that non-selective weed killers will also eliminate desired plants, such as grass. In situations where you have stubborn weed growth but also desired plant life, non-selective weed killers will do more damage than good.

If you want an effective weed killer that won’t kill certain plants, instead explore selective commercial weed killers.

Pro: Non-Selective Herbicides are Highly Effective and Long-Lasting

Another benefit of non-selective weed killers is that they work efficiently and last a long time.

When you have a stubborn weed problem and continually see regrowth popping up, a non-selective weed killer is a great way to make sure the weed problem stops for a longer period of time. It takes out the weeds without leaving room for anything to slip through. In places with many different weeds present, this can be a game-changer.

Con: If Applied in Poor Weather, Non-Selective Herbicides Can Unintentionally Harm Desired Plants

It may make sense to use a non-selective herbicide to target a specific area where plant growth just isn’t desired, but if done improperly, it can actually end up damaging your desired plants.

Let’s say, for example, that you’re aiming to clear out the perimeter of a garden, where grasses, dandelions, and thistles have taken root. Ordinarily, if you apply the product to only the perimeter, everything would be fine—however, if you apply it on a windy day, the spray mist can drift, landing in your garden and killing off some of your flowers.

For this reason, non-selective weed killers must be used with caution and only in good weather. If this is a concern for you in an application area near desired plants, it may be better to use a selective herbicide instead.

Pro: Non-Selective Herbicides are Perfect for Industrial Settings

That said, non-selective weed killers are the perfect weed control solution for commercial and industrial settings. They mean less time spent on weeding, more powerful results, and a more professional image for your property.

If previous weed killers haven’t worked and you have an entire area with a problem, use a commercial non-selective herbicide, and your problem should disappear.

Learn About State Chemical’s Commercial Non-Selective Herbicides

Weed overgrowth is a headache for any property, but with the right weed killer, this can be remedied. Now that you know whether non-selective weed killers are a good fit for you, watch the video below to learn about State Chemical’s non-selective herbicides.