10 Best Brush Killers Products On The Market
Gardening is a hobby that most people around the world enjoy. However, one obstacle that can prove to be a great hindrance is the growth of unwanted weeds, brushes, and plants. If not controlled, shrubs and brush can occupy a large amount of space in your lawn or garden.
10 Best Brush Killers On The Market
If you do not get rid of them, they can eat up all the space and deprive the other desirable flowering and vegetable and fruit plants of water and important nutrients. Additionally, some of them are also poisonous and dangerous to human health.
If you are tired of watching these unsightly plants in your yard, it is recommended that you make use of the best brush killers. With the help of these specialty herbicides, you will be able to get rid of the heaviest brushes in your lawn. Most of these products work fast and will offer you quick and efficient results.
Table of Contents
What is a brush killer? How can you use it?
A brush is a woody vegetation that can grow in large clusters and interfere with the normal growth of other plants. They reduce the production of grass, take valuable water, and often cause soil erosion. Due to this, the life of your collection of favorite flowers may be choked out and your landscape will look like a mess. To counter these unwanted plants, you can make use of brush killers.
Brush killers are a type of herbicide that can effectively remove these brushes from your gardens and landscapes.
Here is a detailed video that explains how a brush killer works.
While using a brush killer might sound simple, it is, on the contrary, not so easy as it may sound. You have to follow a lot of steps accurately and take certain precautions. If you want to see the effects of your brush killer, you need to know how to use it properly.
Getting ready
You should be aware that brush-killing herbicides are poisonous chemicals that can prove to be harmful to human health. Hence, you need to protect yourself so that you do not accidentally spray these products on your body.
You need to wear a full-body gear to protect you from accidental spills, along with a face mask to protect your face and prevent the chemicals from entering your body via your mouth or nose; your eyes will not be able to tolerate the herbicide. Gloves are also an important aspect of your protective gear.
Securing the desirable plants
Most brush killers are non-selective by nature; this means that they will kill any plant, they will wither away. You can make use of a plastic board or cardboard to cover the plants that you wish to preserve and keep. You need to ensure that you do not spray the chemical on the roots and leaves of the desirable plants.
Using the brush-killing product
There are many different types of brush killers in the market, each of which has different usage instructions. Hence, you must read the instructions thoroughly. Mostly, these herbicides are used in a spray container. If you make use of a dial-end hose sprayer, you can pour in the brush killer into the container and add water according to the mentioned dilution rate.
In case of concentrate plus water sprayer, you need to mix in water and the brush killer until it reaches the gallon mark. You will also find ready-to-use solutions that can be used immediately.
Whichever sprayer you choose, you need to ensure that you spray the herbicide on the undesired shrubs and bushes thoroughly and evenly.
Precautions
When it comes to brush killers, you will have to take a lot of care and precautions. You need to keep your children and pets away from the areas where you have sprayed the brush killer. If you have a pond with fishes breeding in it, do not use the herbicide near it since the pond can become poisoned.
What are the things that you need to remember while looking for the best brush killers?
As you can see, there are a lot of different options available when it comes to buying a brush killer. Among all these choices, it is understandable that it can become quite an overwhelming experience. However, there are some common factors that you need to consider while looking for the most effective and cost-worthy product. Some of these factors include:
Brand name
If you are buying a brush killer, especially for the first time, it is always a safer and better option to choose one that has been manufactured by a well-renowned and famous brand. While it is not necessary to do so, most of these renowned names manufacture products that make them more popular than others. This goes on to signify that these products do work.
If you do not have the time to sort products based on components and ingredients or too confused, you can opt for these established brands.
Resistance to water
Of course, your lawn or garden needs to be watered almost daily. Keeping this in mind, you need to choose a brush killer that cannot be rinsed off easily. The herbicide needs to be retained for some time so that the chemicals penetrate effectively, till the end of the roots.
Thankfully, brush killers from most brands are fitted with this feature. The ingredients used in the products that can hold the solution in place for a specific time. Some brush killers can even stay for a period of a few days.
When you are looking for brush killers that have the best resistance to water, you can find the information on the label of the product or simply ask the store owner. Alternatively, you can also check out online reviews for the same.
Form
Typically, brush killers are available in two types – the concentrated form and the working solution. As the name suggests, you need to dilute the concentrated form in water before you employ it. The strength of the final content will depend on what type of plant you wish to remove and its thickness. The working solution, on the other hand, is a ready-to-use solution that you can simply apply on the bushes and shrubs directly.
When it comes to choosing between both, there are not a lot of differences. Both forms are almost equally effective in removing unwanted plants, bushes, and weeds. In the case of the concentrated form, you need to know the ratio by which you will add the water. Alternatively, the ready-to-use formula tends to be costlier than its counterpart.
Safety
It is a possibility that the brush killer you buy might contain harmful elements. Apart from affecting your plants, it can also have some adverse effects in the long run. You need to ensure that the product you buy has been sealed as environmentally-safe. You need to look for safety remarks on the label. You also need to look at the label to understand what types of plants it can eliminate.
What are some of the top brush killing products on the market?
Now that you have a fair idea of what brush killers are, you can start considering the following best ten brush killers in the market today.
1. RM43 43-Percent Total Vegetation Control
The RM43 43-Percent Total Vegetation Control is one of the top brush killing products in the market today. It is available in three variants – 1/4th-gallon, 1-gallon, and 2.5-gallons. It is a combination of two different herbicides that offer you the means to kill and prevent the growth of unwanted plants like brush and weeds for up to a year.
The brush-killing herbicide contains imazapyr and glyphosate, which effectively removes brush and weeds from your garden. It is capable of covering about 17,200-square-feet of the non-crop area and also barns, farm buildings, driveways, sidewalks, gravel paths, roads, fences, and more. Once it dries out, it is safe for humans as well as animals.
According to a lot of sources, the RM43 43-Percent is one of the most advanced products available for killing brush. The product is perfect for areas that have a high infestation of weed and brush. Once the area has been treated, you will not have to retreat it again for another year. No harmful chemicals are used to make the brush killer and can be used easily, even by beginners.
Pros
The product offers a large area coverage
The herbicide can kill and prevent the growth of unwanted plants
Once dried, it is safe for people and pets
The shelf life of the brush killer is long
One of the most effective brush killers in the market today
Cons
A bit on the expensive side
The solution can also kill desirable plants and vegetations
Not a good option for treating large lawns
2. Roundup Ready-to-Use Tough Brush Killer
This brush killer by Roundup is one of the more affordable options that you can buy. This formula is available in four variants – a concentrated bottle with a wand option, a concentrated bottle with a trigger spray, a concentrated bottle with a sprayer, or simple a concentrated option.
Two different types of herbicides are used in this formula, which can kill off all tSee this linkSee this linkypes of undesirable vegetations like vines, poison ivy, and of course, brush. The formula penetrates the roots of these plants and kills them off; you need to spray it directly on the leaves, not on the ground. It is also rain-proof within 30 minutes and safe for humans and pets after drying out.
The results of this Roundup brush killer can be seen after 24 hours. Additionally, you can also use it on stumps to prevent its regrowth. The company offers a consumer guarantee on the product; if you are not happy with the results, your money will be returned upon showing proof of purchase.
Pros
You should start seeing the results within 24 hours (see this link)
The herbicide becomes rain-proof within 30 minutes
Apart from killing brushes, it can also be used for other purposes
You get the choice to choose between different bottle sizes
The product is effective and quick
Cons
The herbicide cannot be used for spot treatment
A bad smell is emitted after you spray it
The chemicals used in the product are quite strong
3. Southern Ag Brush Killer
The Southern Ag is another top-rated brush killer on the market today. While it might be a bit expensive, the 1-gallon bottle is capable of eliminating broadleaf plants (check more: https://happyygarden.com/best-broadleaf-weed-killer-for-lawns ), brush, vines, stumps, and other unwanted vegetations from your garden. You can also use it around areas that are dry and do not have crops like walkways, trails, fences, buildings, etc.
With just 4-8-ounces per gallon of water, you will be able to cover an area of 500-square-meters. To break down wood, you need to make use of the undiluted formula. The main active ingredient used in this brush killer is triclopyr, which is safe for people, pets, and other plants once it dries out. The solution also becomes rain-proof after a few hours of application.
If you want to get rid of brush and volatile weeds in the flowerbed, the Southern AG brush killer is a good choice. Compared to other similar products, it can also kill other tough plants like creeping Charlie and Poison Ivy. These types of unwanted plants are no match for this product.
Pros
The results will be visible within a week
Apart from brushes, the product can also kill weeds and trees
The formula is strong enough to kill bamboo
You can easily spray the product without having to worry much about other plants
Perfect for both spot treatment and large properties
Cons
The odor of the product is quite strong
You need to take safety precaution measures
Due to chemical volatility, utmost care needs to be taken during the summers
4. BioAdvanced 704655A Brush Killer Plus
The BioAdvanced 704655A brush killer can easily kill pesky brushes and weeds on your garden from the roots, which eliminates any chances of regrowth. It is also considered a top option for vine-type plants as well as thick blankets of grass.
The 704655A comes in a ready-to-use packaging; this means that you do not have to worry about the mixing ratio and can be used immediately. Unlike its competitors, the formula penetrates the leaves of the plants rather quickly, thereby killing different varieties of weeds, brushes, and grasses quickly. The formula becomes rain-proof after a few hours of applying.
One of the best features of this ready-made product is that it is fitted with a nested sprayer. The product is capable of killing over 75 different types of unwanted plants as well. Apart from brushes, the 704655A can also kill stump; all you need to do is brush over it with a paintbrush. You also do not have to worry about other unwanted plants like Poison Oak or Poison Ivy.
Pros
Fitted with a nested sprayer nozzle, which means you do not have to mix anything
Even the toughest brushes and weeds can be killed with this solution
The formula acts quickly on freshly-cut weed and brushes
The product is also effective against vine plants
Can be used right out of the box
Cons
The product can kill desirable plants as well
At times, the sprayer nozzle tends to malfunction
Works very slowly when diluted with water
5. Fertilome 32295 Brush Stump Killer
If you wish to remove brushes and stumps from your garden, the Fertilome 32295 can definitely help you do so! The formula is available in a 32-ounce bottle and can be effectively used against brush. Additionally, you can also use it against a lot of other unwanted plants and vegetations like Poison Ivy and vines. The product can be used around non-crop areas like trails, buildings, cabins, and homes.
On each gallon of water, you need to add 8-16 tablespoons of the 32295; with it, you should be able to cover 500-square-feet of space. For applying on stumps, you can also make use of a paintbrush. All you need to do is spray the formula on the leaves of the brush and it will stop the functioning of the entire plant, including the roots.
Once it dries out, it will become rain-proof and safe for humans and animals. While the results get visible after a long duration, it is definitely worth the wait. The product is reliable and will provide you with positive outcomes.
Pros
The formula is safe for humans and pets once it is dry
The brush killer can also be used for a lot of other uses
The area of coverage is quite impressive
The product offers effectiveness at a pocket-friendly price
The solution is very versatile and will work on all types of unwanted plants
Cons
While it is versatile, you should be careful while spraying it; it can kill other plants
Takes a lot of time to become rain-proof
Its effectiveness can be seen after long waiting periods
6. Bonide BND331 Brush Weed Killer
The BND331 brush killer by Bonide is one of the most popular choices today if you want to get some spot treatment done on your lawns and gardens. It works perfectly to remove brush and weeds. The best aspect of the product is that it does not harm other desirable trees and grass.
While it might not be the fastest when it comes to results, it works perfectly and will kill the brushes and weeds right till the roots and eliminate them. The brush killer is quite effective in killing unwanted vegetations – more than 70 different types of brush, vines, and weeds.
The BND331 is available in a 32-ounce bottle, which is quite an impressive amount of brush-killing solution. Additionally, this bottle can also treat more than 10,000-square-feet of area. The product becomes rain-proof within an hour; this way, you do not have to worry if it starts downpouring once you apply the solution. It is perfect for almost all types of gardens and lawns.
Pros
Best brush killer for spot treatment
The product becomes rain-proof within an hour
The plant killer is perfect for over 70 varieties of tough brush and weeds
Does not get drained away by moisture or wind easily
The plant killer has impressive coverage of 10,000-square-feet
Cons
You need to apply more than once to see results
Overall, it takes time for the results to finally start showing
Can cause a lot of irritation on the skin
7. Ortho Brush-B-Gon Brush Killer
The Ortho Brush-B-Gon Brush Killer is a brush killer that can be used either with a sprayer or a garden hose. Since it is available in a concentrated form, you can connect it to your garden hose and spray the areas with an overgrowth of brushes. Or, you can simply dilute it with water, pour it in a spray tanker, and then spray it on the affected areas.
This solution has been formulated to kill all types of brushes on your lawn. Additionally, it can also kill lawn weeds like Wild Violet, Chickweed, Clover, Creeping Charlie; you will be able to eliminate all these unwanted plants, without damaging your desirable vegetations.
Once you spray the solution, it takes about six hours for it to become rain-proof. Once done, you can continue watering the healthy plans without affecting the work of the plant killer. The main ingredients in this solution, triethylamine, and triclopyr work to effectively eliminate brush; in fact, you will see the results in not more than two days.
Pros
The solution becomes rain-proof within an hour of application
The product is ready to use and packed with a spray wand
It does not target desired flowers and plants
The product can kill more than 200 types of brushes and weeds
The results are visible within two days
Cons
The product is not effective on certain unwanted plants like Bermuda grass
According to some reviews, some weeds only turn brown, not get killed
Might be pricey
8. Brushtox Brush Killer
The Brushtox Brush Killer is a premium choice if you want to get rid of brushes and weeds on your garden and lawn. It contains triclopyr, which is the main ingredient. Since it is a selective herbicide, you can easily remove a wide range of unwanted vegetations like brushes, broadleaf weeds, woody plants, etc., without affecting desirable plants.
All you need to do is spray the herbicide on the leaves of the brush. You need to be careful while handling the product since triclopyr can irritate the skin.
The Brushtox Brush Killer is available in a concentrated form of a 32-ounce bottle. After you reconstitute it, you should have enough herbicide to cover an area of up to an acre. Once you apply it, the herbicide will dry down within two hours and become rain-proof. You should start seeing the results after four weeks; however, you just need to apply it once.
Pros
Kills brush plants within a single application
The solution becomes rain-proof within two hours
The product is capable of treating a large area
The selective herbicide will not kill desired plants
Contains a large amount of triclopyr
Cons
The product is expensive
You need to reconstitute the solution
Not a good choice for spot treatment
9. Green Gobbler Weed and Brush Killer
The Green Gobbler brush and weed killer is a very effective plant-killing product that will show you the results in less than 24 hours. Acetic acid (vinegar) is used as the main ingredient in this plant/brush killer. It has been certified as organic and a great choice for agricultural and residential uses.
Apart from this, the grass killer can be used on farmlands, mulch beds, and driveways. It can be readily used from the bottle; all you need to do is pour the solution into the sprayer and can be used immediately. It has proven to be quite an effective solution against most types of brushes and weeds.
For the optimum results, it is recommended that you spray the solution on a sunny day; alternatively, it can also be mixed with a surfactant. While it is a non-selective product, you can plant new seeds a day after spraying because the vinegar in the solution evaporates a few hours after application, thereby making it safe to use around pets and/or children.
Pros
The herbicide does not include glyphosate
Vinegar is used in the solution, thereby making it organic and natural
The product is packed with an easy-to-use spray nozzle
You should see the results well within 24 hours
The product is backed with a 30-day warranty period
Cons
Since it is non-selective, it is capable of killing desirable plants as well
While the results might be fast, they are not as effective as other products in the list
The product is quite expensive
10. Dow Crossbow Herbicide Brush Killer
This herbicide by Down Crossbow is a triclopyr-based brush killer, one that is extremely popular among gardeners. The company has a reputable name as well and the product will have a massive difference in the long-term well-being of your garden/lawn.
Since it is a non-selective plant killer, it will kill all types of unwanted plants in your garden like brushes, weeds, stumps, etc. On contact, it will penetrate the green tissues fast and will result in the death and disruption of cellular tissues and membranes. The product can be used on all seasons, be it summers or snows. You will be amazed by the results!
The Crossbow brush killer product has been proven to work extremely fast; you should start seeing the effects within a few hours, especially since it is a non-residual plant killer. One gallon of the finished solution can cover an area of more than 400-square-feet. The grass and desirable plants will remain unaffected, which ensures there are no grazing restrictions, except for lactating animals.
Pros
The herbicide is strong enough on its own, without any other supplements
Other plants and grass will not be affected
Usage of the product is quite low
Capable of working on many varieties of invasive plants
Works very fast and effectively
Cons
The product is a bit expensive
The herbicide is not rain-proof
It can burn or irritate your skin if you touch it accidentally
FAQs
Here are some common FAQs related to brush killers:
Q. Can a brush killer kill grass or other desirable plants?
A. This will depend on the nature of the herbicide you purchase. There are two types of brush killers – selective and non-selective. Selective products will only kill the brush or other invasive plant species and not harm your other plants. On the other hand, non-selective ones will not discriminate between the plants and kill any if applied/sprayed upon.
Q. Are brush killers safe for children or pets?
A. Once you apply brush killers, you need to wait for some time for the solution to become rain-proof. How long you have to wait will eventually depend on the brand – for some, you might have to wait for 2-3 hours; for others, you need to wait for 2-3 days or weeks. After the solution becomes rain-proof, your garden will be safe for your children and/or pets.
Q. How many times do you have to apply the brush killer?
A. For most brands, applying the brush killer just once is more than enough. However, you can go for another round for 100% results. You can also check the label of the brush killer for additional instructions. You should remember that overapplying the herbicide can harm your garden or lawn.
Conclusion
From the article above, we get to know that brush killers are the most effective solutions if you want to clear brushes in your garden/lawn. If we had to choose one from the above, it would be the RM43 76500 Total Vegetation Control. The product contains glyphosate and imazapyr, which are considered the best ingredients for eliminating any type of unwanted plants, including brushes.
The RM43 is definitely one of the best brush killers among gardening enthusiasts, both amateur and professional. Easy to apply and use, you should see the results within a few hours. You can easily cover about 17,200-square-feet with a single product.
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