By Glenda Taylor | Updated May 5, 2022 2:18 PM
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The standard practice when installing gravel paths is to put a weed barrier between the rock fragments and the soil to help reduce the risk of weed seeds sprouting and taking hold. It’s not foolproof, however, because dust and dirt can blow and settle in the gravel, providing an environment for weed seeds to grow. In addition, gravel driveways are sometimes installed without the benefit of a barrier, which makes them highly prone to weed development. Treating these areas with a quality weed killer may be the best solution.
Pulling an errant dandelion here and there isn’t a big deal, but when multiple weeds appear, they can quickly multiply, making a path or a driveway look shabby and unkempt. Treating the weeds, which often entails treating the entire gravel or sand area, is usually the best way to eradicate the problem. Ahead, learn what to look for when shopping for the best weed killers for gravel, and find out why the following products all earned a spot in this lineup.
The same weed-killing products used to treat other areas, such as sidewalk cracks, under fence lines, and in lawns, can all be used on gravel and sand. But when it comes to gravel, it’s especially important to wage war on unwanted plants early, because even a few dead weeds will stand out starkly to mar the clean look. In a lawn, dead weeds may soon be hidden by healthy grass, but in graveled areas the unsightly species will have to be removed—typically by plucking them out by hand—so prompt treatment pays off.
The weed problems common to gravel vary widely, ranging from a single dandelion that springs up in the center of a path to invasive creeping grasses that systematically eat away at the sides of a gravel driveway. No matter what type of weed woes you’re dealing with, the herbicide chosen should be strong enough to kill the unwanted vegetation. In some cases, it might also be a good idea to use a product that keeps future weed seeds from sprouting.
When it comes to weed killers, the ingredients in the product will be either selective or non-selective.
The most effective weed killers feature one or more chemical herbicides known for their ability to vanquish vegetation. Several ingredients are used, some that wipe out weeds and others that act as mixing agents or surfactants to help the herbicide stick to the unwanted plants’ leaves. The following are among the most common ingredients found in weed-killing products.
How long an herbicide continues to kill weeds after application and whether it breaks down when it comes into contact with water describes its persistence or lingering effect. A product’s label may not use the term “persistence,” but it will often detail how long the product will continue to work.
A weed killer that remains on a path or a driveway for a few months is desirable for gravel and sand. Short-term weed killers will eliminate existing weeds but don’t offer a residual killing effect, so frequent treatments may be necessary.
By definition, weed-killing products are “post-emergent” because they kill weeds that are currently growing. Post-emergent refers to the product’s ability to kill weeds that have already emerged from their seeds.
On the other hand, pre-emergent products do not kill weeds but keep weed seeds from sprouting. For long-lasting weed-free gravel walks and driveways, users may want to apply a weed-killing product containing added pre-emergent ingredients, such as benefin, isoxaben, trifluralin, or siduron, among several others.
For the best results, read product labels to determine which type of weed seeds are controlled by a pre-emergent ingredient, because most will keep only certain weed seeds from sprouting. Manufacturers may combine one or more pre-emergent chemicals for broader protection.
Non-selective herbicides are further classified as either contact or systemic.
Weed killer for gravel comes in various strengths and application coverage rates. Most manufacturers list their product’s coverage as “up to” a specific square feet. For example, a ready-to-use weed killer may come in a spray bottle designed to treat up to 500 square feet, while a concentrated product may cover up to 4,000 square feet (or more) of a gravel drive when diluted as directed on the package. In general, concentrated liquid products offer the most significant coverage.
Commercial weed killers can be toxic to humans, animals, and the environment if not used as intended. Herbicides products bear the warning “It is a violation of Federal law to use this product in a manner inconsistent with its labeling.” Hence, it makes good sense to take safety precautions.
To qualify for a spot in this lineup of the best weed killers for gravel, the following products had to be effective and relatively straightforward to use. They had to contain ingredients known to kill common weeds, and—in the case of pre-emergents—include ingredients that prevent weed seeds from sprouting. These weed killers include a variety of components, and some are natural while others contain strong chemicals. Each, however, is a standout in its category.
RM43 contains glyphosate and imazapyr, both non-selective herbicides made to kill a wide variety of invasive weeds. In addition, the herbicides can remain in the ground and continue to kill post-emergent weeds for up to a year after application. The product is rainproof in 2 hours, and results (wilting) may be visible as soon as the same day.
The product comes in a concentrated liquid, and a single quart of RM43 Total Vegetation Control will make 5 gallons of weed-killing solution. Mix and use only as directed and avoid applying the product to any gravel areas that lie above the root zones of desirable plants and trees, as the systemic nature of this product is prone to seeping through the soil and reaching the roots of other plants. A separate pump-type sprayer (not included) is recommended for application.
Get the RM43 weed preventer on Amazon or The Home Depot.
To vanquish weeds fast from gravel driveways, patios, and walkways, consider Ortho GroundClear Year Long Vegetation Killer, which can wilt unwanted plants in as little as an hour. GroundClear’s primary active ingredient is imazapyr, which is a non-selective herbicide that systematically kills weeds to their roots so they don’t come back. The product also contains pelargonic acid, a contact herbicide that kills plants’ green parts for better overall results.
The product comes premixed and ready to use, no mixing or diluting necessary. It also includes a precision spray wand for directing the product directly on the weeds. A single 1.33 gallon of Ortho GroundClear will treat up to 400 square feet. Residual chemicals may remain for up to a year to reduce the risk of regrowth.
Get the Ortho vegetation killer on Amazon, Ace Hardware, Tractor Supply Co., or Lowe’s.
Sometimes an ounce of prevention really is the best cure, and with Preen’s Extended Control Weed Preventer, that’s what users get. This Preen product comes in granular form and is applied by shaking the granules out of the unique cap that helps distribute them evenly. After sprinkling the product on a gravel area, it should be wet down with a hose or a sprinkler to help dissolve the product, which then creates a barrier that keeps weed seeds from sprouting.
This Preen product won’t kill existing weeds, so users will need to treat those with a weed killer. Once the gravel or sanded area is weed-free, reapplying Preen every 6 months will help keep new unwanted plants from growing. One 4.93-pound jug of Preen will treat up to 805 square feet, and it will not harm desirable trees, lawns, or other established plants.
Get the Preen weed preventer on Amazon, Tractor Supply Co., or Target.
Natural Armor Weed and Grass Killer is chemical-free, so it’s safer to use around pets and people. Its highly concentrated vinegar is non-selective about the weeds and plants it kills, so spray it judiciously when the wind isn’t blowing. An included surfactant helps the solution stick to weed foliage, giving it time to work.
The 128-ounce jug comes as a ready-to-use liquid and features an included spray nozzle for ease of application. No measuring, mixing, or diluting is necessary. Vinegar does not create a rainproof layer on weeds, so apply it on a sunny day when precipitation is not in the forecast. Like other non-selective weed killers, Natural Armor overspray can damage desirable plants, so use caution to spray only weeds. One jug treats up to 4,000 square feet, depending on the size of the plants (large weeds will require more solution than small ones).
Get the Natural Armor weed and grass killer Amazon, The Home Depot, or Walmart.
Found in the laundry detergent aisle of most grocery stores is a natural product that can help keep gravel driveways clear of weeds. Earthborn Elements Borax Powder is a natural product that comes as a fine white dust that dissolves quickly in water. For this weed-killing solution, users will need to mix borax in water and apply it to weeds with a hand sprayer or a pump-type garden sprayer.
To prepare the borax-based weed killer, mix 1/2 cup of Earthborn Elements Borax into 1 gallon of water and stir until the powder dissolves. This creates an entire gallon of solution, but any leftover liquid can be stored indefinitely on a shelf in a plastic jug (like a rinsed-out milk jug).
To use the solution and spray the weeds directly, taking care to saturate all foliage surfaces. Avoid letting overspray get on nearby desirable grass or plantings because it can also kill them. Visible results can be seen in 2-4 days, although reapplication may be necessary to kill the weeds completely.
Get Earthborn Elements Borax at Amazon and Sears.
Those looking for an eco-friendlier way to kill weeds in their gravel driveways and path may want to consider Natria Grass and Weed Control with Root Killer. This ready-to-use product comes in a 1-gallon jug with an attached trigger sprayer to make treating weeds a snap. The active weed-killing ingredient is ammoniated soap of fatty acid that penetrates the weeds’ cellular structure and travels all the way to the roots to kill the entire plant. The best news? The fatty acids don’t remain effective longer than 5 days, so they won’t impact the environment.
Spray each weed thoroughly, saturating all foliage surfaces, and avoid spraying on nearby desirable plants or the lawn. Natria will kill many unwanted weeds, including chickweed, invasive grasses, and even moss. A 1-gallon container will treat up to 450 square feet of weeds, and results can often be seen within 24 hours.
Get Natria Grass & Weed Control with Root Kill on Amazon, Tractor Supply, or Ace Hardware.
Before commercial weed-killing products were widely available, many had to rely on homemade remedies for getting rid of unruly weeds and other plants. The products and ingredients that worked then are still suitable for use today—and many are non-toxic, eco-friendly, and natural remedies. Among the most popular are borax, salt, and vinegar.
Any of the weed killers in this lineup are effective for killing weeds that grow in gravel areas, but RM43 weed preventer ticks all the boxes. It offers quick weed-killing results and helps prevent regrowth for up to 4 months. For an effective all-natural solution, the Natural Armor Weed and Grass Killer is the top pick.
Gravel is a common material for creating rustic walks and driveways, but it’s not impermeable, so weeds can blow in and sprout or spread inward from the sides of the area. It’s common to put a weed barrier, such as a plastic liner, between the soil and the gravel, but weeds can still get a foothold over time.
Gravel walks look terrific when clean and weed-free, but even a few weeds can ruin their good appearance. We researched dozens of weed killer products to determine which were well suited for use in gravel beds or sanded areas. We considered brand reputation, with Roundup and Ortho products having earned a reputation for efficiency, but didn’t automatically eliminate products made by smaller companies if they performed well.
Chemical herbicides are the most effective, but some users are willing to spray more often with a natural weed killer to avoid ingredients that can remain in the ground for up to a year. The products that made the final cut in our lineup are effective and user-friendly.
Once unwanted weeds appear, they can spread quickly, turning a good-looking gravel path into a shoddy mess. Most weed killers are made to kill existing weeds, but some are designed to keep future weeds seeds from sprouting. Those interested in protecting the look of a gravel walk or drive may still want more information, which will likely be found below in answers to some questions about these products.
Yes, weeds are weeds no matter where they sprout. The best weed killer for driveways will work on gravel, sand, or even where weeds sprout from cracks on concrete driveways.
Follow the manufacturer’s directions. Spray or sprinkle the product on at the recommended rate. Granular products may require watering afterward, while some sprays should not be applied when rain is in the forecast.
The only permanent way to get rid of grass that grows in a gravel driveway is to pave over the gravel with concrete. Since that’s not an option for many, the next best thing is to use a weed killer to remove the existing weeds and then use a pre-emergent over the gravel to keep new weed seeds from sprouting. It’s not permanent, but with diligence it can keep the driveway looking neat.
It could—temporarily—depending on the product used. Some products leave residual traces behind that keep future weeds (and all plants) from growing for a few months to a year.
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