Are you searching for the best weed killer for Arizona and techniques to eliminate the weeds in your landscape? All of the modern controls from eliminating weeds to killing them, naturally as well organically are discussed in this guide made for residents living in Arizona.
Weeds found in Arizona state belong to invasive weed species that are far more difficult to control than common weeds. These tough weeds can only be controlled through the proper pre and post-emergent chemical sprays.
But choosing the right weed killer for Arizona lawns can be hectic work without having the proper guidance. Spraying the wrong chemical could get the green foliage in the yard to dry.
To help you choose what to use, I built this guide to clarify the top weeds found in AZ along with weed killers to use for weeds in Arizona. All aspects of weeds flora germination, classification, and control methods are well discussed in the guide.
Products mentioned in this guide:
Let’s get started.
Difference Between Pre & Post-Emergent Weed Spraying
Weedicides and herbicides are majorly classified into two main types on the basis of the actual application time. These are classified by the mode of application i.e. actual weeds’ growth stage.
The common types of weedicides are pre-emergent and post-emergent weedicides.
Pre-Emergent Weed Sprays
Pre-Emergent herbicides are sprays that are applied before the emergence of weeds. These chemicals typically target the seed of weeds to create a barrier to their germination.
Pre-Emergent weedicides are actually used for controlling annual weeds like crabgrass and goosegrass.
The pre-emergent weedicides are applied with a sprayer when the outdoor temperature is lowest, before the soil temperature warm-up. They only benefit if applied before the emergence of the actual plant.
What To Apply To Arizona Lawns as a Pre-Emergent
Pre-emergent herbicides and weedicides come in granular and spray form. You can either apply them by spraying or sprinkling granules on the soil surface. If going to apply the granules on the soil surface, watering will help the chemical to absorb into the soil easily and rapidly. However, a spray pre-emergent can be more effective as you can control the application process a bit more. With that said, I love using Tenacity as my Pre-Emergent application for Arizona lawns:
- Eliminates weeds at seedlings so new grass can flourish.
- Brand name: Syngenta
- Made in United States
- Assembly not required
Post-Emergent Weed Sprays
Post-Emergent weedicides are used for controlling the invasive bermudagrass that comes year after year. Weeds having extensive root systems are easily controlled by post-emergent sprays.
These chemicals are sprayed or sprinkled over the already emerged plants.
Application process
These weedicides and herbicides work by directly attacking the plant roots and poisoning their root system. Post-emergent weedicides come in both liquid and granules forms.
For using the liquid form, just make the solution of the chemical and spray it directly over the plant.
In the case of granular chemicals, sprinkle the granules over the soil surface and water the plants fully.
These works by shriveling and yellowing the leaves and brown stalking in the weeds and unwanted plants.
Products: Best Weed Killer Products for Arizona Lawns
1. Roundup QuikPro, 6.8 lb. Jug
QuickPro is a non-selective herbicide by Roundup that is the most suitable and best weed killer for Arizona weeds. Roundup is a famous brand for producing quality herbicides and weedicides.
This herbicide has Glyphosate as the active ingredient that kills the green plants immediately after the spray by blocking the enzymatic action in the plant body.
The great thing about this herbicide is the addition of diquat dibromide which is a highly active agent for controlling the weeds and woody bushes. This chemical agent is actually used for professional-grade herbicides but the addition of diquat to this herbicide makes it a professional herbicide.
Furthermore, the addition of surfactant in the herbicide makes it more sticky to the plant’s body.
This herbicide is widely used for controlling broadleaf and grass weeds. It also works great for killing the woody bushes, roots, and trees.
Features
- Non-selective herbicide
- Glyphosate as the active ingredient
- The addition of diquat makes it faster in killing
- Surfactant is mixed by the manufacturer for more sticking
- Controls all types of broadleaf and grass weeds
- Best weed killer for Arizona
2. Ortho GroundClear Vegetation Killer Concentrate
- Ortho GroundClear Year Long Vegetation Killer1 is a concentrate…
- This fast-acting weed killer concentrate starts working immediately…
- Use this weed control product on driveways, sidewalks, gravel areas,…
- Apply this weed preventer using a tank hose sprayer, mixing 24 fl. oz….
- One 2 gal. container of Ortho GroundClear Year Long Vegetation Killer1…
Ortho GroundClear Vegetation killer is a fast-acting, nonselective herbicide that kills all the vegetation in less than 6 hours. It is a concentrated and highly active formula by Ortho for controlling weeds.
This nonselective herbicide is a top weed killer for Arizona for killing hard weeds and bushes. The active ingredients of these herbicides are glyphosate and imazapyr, both are highly active materials for killing vegetation.
All you need to do is cover the desirable plants with plastic sheets and spray over the weeds and you will see the results in 6 hours.
The great thing about this herbicide is the versatility of application i.e. three modes of application as ready to use Wand and Refill, ready-to-use Sprinkler Cap, and concentrates.
In the first method, you need to attach the comfort wand, available with the product, and apply the concentrated chemical on spot. While in the second method, you need to attach the sprinkler cap to the bottle and sprinkle the concentrated chemical over the weeds. In the third method, you need the ortho dial and spray or sprayer for spraying over plants.
This fast-acting formula prevents the unwanted weeds from growing again for up to 1 year.
Features
- Prevents the regrowth of weeds for up to 1 year
- Non-selective herbicide
- Imazapyr and Glyphosate active ingredients
- Three modes of application
- Gives results in 6 hours
- Best weed killer for unwanted plants
3. Compare-N-Save Concentrate Grass and Weed Killer, 41-Percent Glyphosate
Compare-N-Save concentrate grass and weed killer is a powerful and nonselective herbicide for killing the vast type of weeds in the Arizona region. It kills the weed from the leaves to the roots system and makes them gone for years.
It has a powerful active ingredient, Glyphosate, that kills almost all types of annual, perennial weeds, and grass weeds. The concentration of glyphosate is 41%, which is an impressive figure for the faster killing of hard bushes and weeds.
All you need is to mix the 1.5 ounces or 3 tablespoons of concentrate in 1 gallon of water and spray it over the weeds. In case of killing the tougher weeds like perennials, mix 5 tablespoons of concentrate in 1 gallon of water and spray it.
It will take 2-4 days to show the visible results.
The great thing about this herbicide is that it kills the plants to the roots, making it ungrowable for next year. This herbicide is widely used for killing unwanted growth along walkways and driveways.
Features
- Powerful herbicide
- Kills almost all annual and perennial weeds
- 41% active ingredients
- Glyphosate as the active agent
- Takes 2-4 days for results
- Kills to the roots
- Best weed killer for perennial weeds
4. Roundup Extended Control Weed and Grass Killer Plus Weed Preventer Concentrate
Roundup Extended Control is a double-action, extended, concentrated weed and grass weed killer that kills the existing weeds as well as prevents the upcoming weeds.
It is an advanced formula by Roundup to kill unwanted plants from any foundations, patios, driveways, and sidewalks. People often used this concentration for killing the vegetation growing in the gravel areas.
The premium feature of this herbicide is the extended prevention of weeds regrowth at that place for up to 4 months.
All you need to do is simply add the 6 fl. oz. of concentrate to 1 gallon of water and spray over the selected area. Make sure to save the desired plants from even a single drop of spray.
It gives valuable results in 6 hours due to its fast-acting nature. The great thing along with the fast action is its rainproof nature in 30 minutes.
Features
- Dual-action formula
- Extended weed control and prevent
- Easy application
- Rainproof in 30 minutes
- Give results in 6 hours
- Kills weeds to roots
5. Ortho Weed B Gon Weed Killer for Lawns Ready-To-Use2 with Comfort Wand
Ortho weed B Gon weed killer is a specially formulated herbicide for killing the weeds in lawns. It is a selective herbicide that kills some selective types of broadleaf weeds and dandelions.
The premium feature of this herbicide is that it is safe for lawns and does not cause any harm to them. You can safely apply the solution over the grass and can also spot treatment.
For getting the best results from this selective herbicide, it is directed to apply over the weeds at any time. It will kill the weeds to the roots and prevent their regrowth from the roots again.
All you need to do is make the solution by dissolving the concentrate in water and spraying it over the weeds through the wand provided within the package.
In case of a broadcast application, attach the bottle with the garden hose and apply it all over the lawn surface. The 32 oz. concentrate will be enough to cover the 16000 sq. ft.
This miracle herbicide is safe to use on vast types of grasses including Bahiagrass, Fescues, Zoysia grass, Buffalograss, Bermudagrass, St. Augustine, Ryegrass, Centipedegrass, and Bluegrass.
Features
- Kills dandelions, clover, and broadleaf weeds
- Selective herbicide
- Fast-acting
- Results in 6 hours
- Safe for lawns
- Can be applied to any type of grasses
- Never harms the grass
- Includes a wand for precise application
Common Weeds Types Found in Arizona
Many types of weeds are found in the Arizona region. These weeds are commonly classified into two types.
Narrow-leaf weeds common in Arizona (Unwanted grasses)
All of the narrow-leafed weeds and the unwanted grasses that grow other than their proper place are placed in this category. These grasses are commonly found in the grassy lawns of bermudagrass.
Bromegrass Identification
Bromegrass is considered a weed and invasive species that increase the risk of wildfires as it spreads quickly on the lawn and becomes uncontrolled. These weeds disturb the growth and habit of the intentionally grown grass.
Treat Bromegrass with Roundup QuickPro
The other common grass weeds are Foxtail and Orchard grass which control your landscape rapidly. You should remove or control these weedy grasses immediately to flourish your landscape.
Special herbicides are used to control such types of weed grasses, without damaging the actual plants on the lawn.
Broadleaf Weeds Common in Arizona
Broadleaf weeds are the second type of weeds found in landscapes. These weeds can easily be distinguished by their flat and broad leaves that are wider than the common grass leaves on lawns.
Being a weed plant, these broadleaf weeds grow more rapidly than common grasses as they consume more sunlight due to their wider leaves.
In the presence of water and nutrients along with more sunlight, these broadleaf weeds grow rapidly in lawns.
The common broadleaf weeds found in Arizona state are goosefoot, pigweed, and purslane. All of these weeds have fast-spreading that takes over the control of the resources of growth before the desirable plants.
The other broadleaf weeds with thorns that are nasty to deal with are puncturevine and bur clover. They are the most difficult to control due to the pain and itching that are caused to humans and animals.
Here is a complete chart of weeds typically found in Arizona and how to control.
Note: Roundup Quickpro will handle all these.
- Roundup QuickPro Herbicide is for use anywhere there is undesirable…
- Glyphosate 73.3%, Diquat 2.9%
- The mix rate for Roundup QuikPro is 1.5 ounces per gallon of water.
| Common Name | Scientific Name | Appearance | Control Methods |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dandelion | Taraxacum officinale | Yellow flower with feathery seeds, leaves in a rosette shape | Hand-pulling, mowing, herbicides |
| Clover | Trifolium spp. | Leaves in clusters of three, white or pink flowers | Hand-pulling, mowing, herbicides |
| Spurge | Euphorbia spp. | Low growing with small, oval leaves and small flowers | Hand-pulling, mowing, herbicides |
| Ground Ivy | Glechoma hederacea | Creeping vine with small, round leaves and blue flowers | Hand-pulling, mowing, herbicides |
| Purslane | Portulaca oleracea | Thick stems with small, succulent leaves and yellow flowers | Hand-pulling, mowing, herbicides |
| Oxalis | Oxalis spp. | Heart-shaped leaves with yellow flowers | Hand-pulling, mowing, herbicides |
| Black Medic | Medicago lupulina | Yellow flowers with small, three-leafed clusters | Hand-pulling, mowing, herbicides |
| Thistle | Cirsium spp. | Spiky leaves with purple flowers | Hand-pulling, mowing, herbicides |
| Wild Mustard | Brassica spp. | Yellow flowers with elongated seed pods | Hand-pulling, mowing, herbicides |
| Hairy Fleabane | Conyza bonariensis | Hairy leaves with small, daisy-like flowers | Hand-pulling, mowing, herbicides |
| London Rocket | Sisymbrium irio | Small yellow flowers with long seed pods | Hand-pulling, mowing, herbicides |
| Filaree | Erodium spp. | Small pink flowers with deeply lobed leaves | Hand-pulling, mowing, herbicides |
| Russian Thistle | Salsola tragus | Spiky plant with small white or pink flowers | Hand-pulling, mowing, herbicides |
| Bermuda Grass | Cynodon dactylon | Spreading grass with narrow leaves and spikes of flowers | Hand-pulling, mowing, herbicides |
| Curly Dock | Rumex crispus | Large, curly leaves with tall flower spikes | Hand-pulling, mowing, herbicides |
| Wild Onion | Allium spp. | Grass-like plant with small onion bulbs and white flowers | Hand-pulling, mowing, herbicides |
| Puncturevine | Tribulus terrestris | Low-growing plant with small yellow flowers and spiny seeds | Hand-pulling, mowing, herbicides, vinegar or boiling water |
| Yellow Woodsorrel | Oxalis stricta | Clover-like plant with yellow flowers and heart-shaped leaves | Hand-pulling, mowing, herbicides |
| Chicory | Cichorium intybus | Tall plant with blue flowers and deeply lobed leaves | Hand-pulling, mowing, herbicides |
| Flixweed | Descurainia sophia | Small plant with yellow flowers and deeply lobed leaves | Hand-pulling, mowing, herbicides |
Silver Nightshade Identification
Silver Nightshade is the other broadleaf weed that has a huge toxic effect on livestock. They cause health problems in animals if they get eaten by any livestock animal.
Tumbleweed Identification
The most problematic broadleaf weed is Tumbleweed which is easier to spot but difficult to control. Such weeds spread very rapidly and produce thousands of seeds that spread long miles through animals and humans. A special control strategy is needed to control Tumbleweed.
Methods to control weeds in Arizona
A lot of methods are used for controlling weeds in Arizona state. Some people go to get services from private companies but they are much more expensive. Here are some professional-grade methods for controlling weeds in Arizona.
Most of the products are selective in nature that kill only the selective type of plants or weeds like only broadleaf or just narrow leaves.
The other form of chemical product is non-selective and kills all the green plants on spraying.
But the desired results are only obtained if applied through the proper process. These are some methods of controlling weeds in Arizona state by using natural and chemical means.
1. Chemical weed sprays
Chemical sprays have priority among other methods due to their rapid results. Residues of the chemicals continue to work for eliminating the weeds for months.
But extra care is needed while using the chemicals on the landscape for weed control as they may harm the actual plants.
- Systemic weed treatments
Systemic chemicals are the proper and advanced chemical control of weeds as they attack just the actual plants to control. Using such chemicals keeps the land free of that selective weeds for some time, sometimes for a single season.
2. Natural and Organic Weed Control
Some people prefer to control the weeds with natural and organic means over the chemicals, due to the residual effects of chemicals. The natural and organic methods are also effective but are a bit slower than the chemical methods.
- Natural herbicides
Natural herbicides are the best control method for post-emergents and show effective results on the annual weeds and grasses but have weak control over the perennials.
Commonly used natural herbicides are citrus oil which breaks down the waxy coating on leaves and makes them less holding for water. It ultimately leads them to death by dehydration.
Other effective natural herbicides are Acetic acid or Vinegar which has positive results in controlling certain weed species. I recommend the following product:
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3. Soil Treatments
The soil treatment method is an effective method to control soil-specific weeds. As the pigweed loves to grow in sandy soils and simply altering the soil chemistry will give positive results in controlling such weeds.
Most common soil treatments are done by changing the soil pH to alkalinity.
How to Have a Weed-Free Lawn in Arizona
To keep your lawn and landscape free of weeds, you must have a proper and scheduled maintenance scheme. It keeps the actual plants growing fully. These are some daily routine techniques to kill weeds in Arizona.
1. Routine weed control
Take routine notice of your landscape if any weeds are growing then do immediate control before their establishment.
2. Killing of weeds
If you find a huge number of weeds growing all over the landscape, then go for the post-emergent selective chemical control method. Choose the narrow or broadleaf herbicides after properly examining the weed species.
3. Control future weeds
Using pre-emergent herbicides kills the weed seeds before their germination and keeps the lawn or landscape free of weeds in the future.
Final Verdict
Selecting the right weed killer for any grass is never easy for any person with no guidance. Some common weeds can be killed by any herbicides but the tough weeds can only be controlled by proper herbicides.
Arizona regions have tough grasses and weeds in lawns and landscapes that are very difficult to control with local herbicides. A highly concentrated formula like Roundup QuikPro can do the right job in Arizona regions.
But the only problem growers face in weed control is finding the best weed killer for Arizona regions. I hope this guide really helps you in choosing the top weed killer for Arizona weeds.
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