The Best Brush Killers, Vetted

Hello, my friend, hello again; today we come together to talk about The Best Brush Killers, Vetted and hope the blog can help you.

Woody, thorny, and vining weeds can get out of control quickly. Get rid of them once and for all with the right brush killer for your property.

Depending on which area of the country you call home, a variety of brushwood species could be spreading along your fence lines or growing into impassable thickets in your yard. Left to their own devices, brush—a combination of saplings, conifers, young trees, and invasive vines—can quickly encroach on little-used parts of the property until you can ignore it no longer. Trying to chop and dig the weeds out is a labor-intensive task, and some brush varieties may regrow if roots remain.

That’s where brush killers come in. These herbicides, which can be organic or synthetic, should be strong enough to banish even invasive brushwood species. Selecting the best brush killer for your needs will depend on the type of brush you’re dealing with, the extent of the problem, and your preferred method of application. Ahead, learn what to look for when buying a brush killer and find out why the following products are all excellent at eradicating tough weeds.

1. BEST OVERALL: Doctor Kirchner Natural Weed & Grass Killer
2. RUNNER-UP: Natural Elements Weed Killer
3. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Earth’s Ally Weed & Grass Killer
4. MOST VERSATILE: Natural Armor All-Natural Weed & Grass Killer
5. BEST SPRAY BOTTLE: Green Gobbler 20% Vinegar Weed & Grass Killer
6. BEST HEAVY-DUTY: OrganicMatters Natural Weed Killer Spray
7. BEST FOR DENSE BRUSH: BioAdvanced Ready-to-Use Brush Killer Plus
8. ALSO CONSIDER: Just for Pets Pet-Safe Weed Killer Spray

Before You Buy Brush Killer

While herbicides are one means of clearing brush, brush killer isn’t always the most effective solution. Brush killers can take a week or more to banish woody plants, kudzu, poison oak, and poison ivy. They also often require multiple treatments, especially if the brush is particularly dense or tall. Plus, unless shoppers go with an organic product, brush killers introduce harmful chemicals, such as glyphosate, triclopyr, and fluazifop, into the environment, which can hurt wildlife.

Organic brush killers use ingredients that biodegrade quickly in the environment, including seawater, vinegar, and small amounts of mild dish soap. While organic products may not take out brush as quickly as chemical-based products, they are far less harmful to wildlife as well as safer to use and store in a home with pets and kids.

That said, shoppers may prefer to avoid using a brush killer entirely in favor of physically removing the offending weeds. While a lawn mower and line trimmer may not be equipped for such a job, there are machines designed to take down brush. Field and brush mowers will cut through dense vegetation and can even cut through saplings up to 3 inches thick. While these machines are too expensive for nonprofessionals to purchase, many garden centers and home improvement stores rent them for a nominal fee.

If shoppers would rather not rent a brush mower, they might be able to convert their line trimmer into a more powerful machine capable of handling the job. Some string line trimmers can be fitted with serious cutting blades that can slice through dense vegetation.

How We Chose the Best Brush Killers

Brush, poison ivy, weeds, stumps, and other harmful plants can damage the integrity and aesthetic of an outdoor space and plants. The right brush killer can remove all noxious plants with the aid of potent ingredients, long working times, and water resistance.

Many of the above picks are made with triclopyr; glyphosate; 2,4-D; or combinations of these chemicals for effective weed killing. Some also contain weed-preventing chemicals to keep noxious plants from regrowing. These potent formulas typically have rainproof abilities to last through most weather conditions.

The above selection is also versatile, as most brush killers are able to wipe out a variety of harmful plant types simultaneously, and the effects can last for up to 1 year after application. Many of the above picks are concentrated, requiring dilution before use, so most come in lightweight quantities, but multiple size options are typically available. Also note that while brush killers are liquid formulas, not all products come with spray nozzles or wands for application. Those that don’t should be poured into a spray bottle using a funnel to prevent spills.

Our Top Picks

A brush killer should live up to its name and be potent enough to kill the offending varieties of brush. The following products will all kill most types of brush, and one or more is sure to be an asset in helping eradicate the woody overgrowth on a property. This list consists of mainly organic options that will eliminate brush without leaving behind chemicals that can hurt wildlife.

Best Overall

Doctor Kirchner Natural Weed & Grass Killer

A formula that’s both effective and organic makes Doctor Kirchner’s Natural Weed & Grass Killer the best brush killer on the market. It’s made from simple ingredients, including ocean salt water, commercial-strength vinegar, and soap. While it may not have the immediate brush-killing power of some chemical-based herbicides (multiple applications will likely be necessary to take out the vines and dense shrubs that classify as brush), it’s much safer for the environment, pets, and people.

This nonselective brush killer is ready to use out of the bottle and requires no messy mixing. It’s also available in a broad range of sizes—including a 640-ounce bottle that’s ideal for covering large areas of brush—to suit jobs both small and large.

Product Specs

• Type: Ready to use
• Active ingredients: Seawater, vinegar, and soap
• Amount: 1 gallon, 2.5 gallons, 320 ounces, 640 ounces

Pros

• Natural, nontoxic active ingredients made from ocean salt water; commercial- strength, food-grade vinegar; and soap
• Wide range of sizes with multipacks available
• Kills all types of vegetation fast, with most weeds beginning to wither in hours
• Long shelf life for years of effective use

Cons

• May take several applications to kill brush
• Expensive

Get the Doctor Kirchner brush killer at Amazon.

Runner-Up

Natural Elements Weed Killer

With its mix of commercial-grade vinegar and salt water, Natural Elements is a powerful herbicide with ingredients that fortunately biodegrade quickly. Natural Elements will kill most broadleaf weeds and grasses, making it ideal for use as a brush killer. It also comes ready to use with no mixing required. Simply add the liquid herbicide to a sprayer and saturate the leaves of weeds and unwanted grass. Weeds will begin to brown and wilt in 24 hours. Natural Elements is available in 1-gallon containers.

While Natural Elements Weed Killer doesn’t present the same hazards as chemical herbicides, it does use highly concentrated vinegar, which can cause severe burns if exposed to the skin. Users should wear eye protection and gloves and cover exposed skin during application.

Product Specs

• Type: Ready to use
• Active ingredients: Sodium chloride, water, vinegar, and soap
• Amount: 1 gallon

Pros

• Environmentally friendly, nontoxic formula that is derived from vinegar
• Affordable price for 1-gallon jug
• Kills most types of broadleaf weeds and grasses
• Results can be noticed in as fast as 24 hours

Cons

• Tough weeds may require 2 applications

Get the Natural Elements brush killer at Amazon.

Best Bang for the Buck

Earth’s Ally Weed & Grass Killer

Earth’s Ally is very similar to other organic herbicides in that it uses a mix of salt water, vinegar, and soap to kill weeds. What differentiates this weed killer from the competition is its notably lower price tag. Earth’s Ally, which comes in 1-gallon bottles, is effective against broadleaf weeds, including tough ivy and chickweed. Plants will begin to wilt just hours after application.

Earth’s Ally leaves a comparably smaller impact on the environment than chemical-based herbicides, and it’s safe for use around pets and people. It comes premixed and includes a handy sprayer, making it easy to use and an even better bargain.

Product Specs

• Type: Ready to use
• Active ingredients: Sodium chloride, water, vinegar, and soap
• Amount: 1 gallon

Pros

• Eco-friendly nontoxic formula that is safe for people, pets, and bees
• More affordable than other organic herbicides
• Kills most broadleaf weeds like crabgrass, dandelion, clover, ivy and chickweed
• Includes easy-to-use garden sprayer
• See results in as little as 3 hours in some climates

Cons

• Vines and certain weeds may require multiple applications

Get the Earth’s Ally brush killer at Lowe’s.

Most Versatile

Natural Armor All-Natural Weed & Grass Killer

Natural Armor stands out from the field of organic herbicides with its use of multiple natural ingredients to kill weeds. In addition to sodium chloride and vinegar, common ingredients in other environmentally friendly weed killers, Natural Armor also uses citric acid and clove oil for an extra weed-walloping punch.

Simply coat weeds with Natural Armor using the included spray attachment—no mixing required. Weeds begin to show distress in just a few hours, though denser weeds and brush may require more than one application. Natural Armor is available in 2.5-gallon bottles that include a sprayer.

Product Specs

• Type: Ready to use
• Active ingredients: Sodium chloride, citric acid, water, clove oil, and soap
• Amount: 2.5 gallons

Pros

• Pet- and people-friendly ingredients that contain no glyphosate
• Trigger-sprayer attachment included
• Fast-acting formula that starts working in just hours
• Easy to use: Just spray and go

Cons

• Denser brush may require multiple applications

Get the Natural Armor brush killer at Amazon.

Best Spray Bottle

Green Gobbler 20% Vinegar Weed & Grass Killer

Green Gobbler uses a high concentration of 20 percent vinegar and a trigger spray with an adjustable nozzle to wage its assault on weeds and brush. This high concentration of acetic acid is effective at taking out stubborn brush, including vines and a host of broadleaf weeds and grasses. A nozzle that adjusts from spray to stream allows the user to target large and small weeds while limiting overspray. Green Gobbler kills quickly, with weeds drying out in less than 24 hours.

Its environmentally friendly ingredients make it safe to use anywhere, including vegetable gardens, flower beds, and driveways. Protective eyewear and clothing that covers exposed skin should be worn when applying the product due to its high concentration of acetic acid. Green Gobbler requires no mixing; the 1-gallon size includes the tough trigger sprayer, and 2-gallon refill bottles are also available.

Product Specs

• Type: Ready to use
• Active ingredients: Acetic acid (high-concentration vinegar)
• Amount: 1-gallon jug with sprayer and 32-ounce spray bottle

Pros

• Capable of taking out stubborn vines
• OMRI-listed weed killer and certified for organic use
• Environmentally safe ingredients made from corn grown in the USA
• Kills weeds in less than 24 hours
• 30-day money-back guarantee

Cons

• High percentage of vinegar can cause severe eye and skin burns

Get the Green Gobbler brush killer at Amazon or The Home Depot (32 ounces).

Best Heavy-Duty

OrganicMatters Natural Weed Killer Spray

While OrganicMatters relies on salt water and vinegar as other organic herbicides do, it can wipe out more types of weeds thanks to the addition of some potent yet less common ingredients. Its formula includes two ingredients that give it an added punch—clove oil, which is especially effective against broadleaf weeds, and lemon juice, which dries out weeds.

OrganicMatters is premixed and ready to use straight out of the 1-gallon bottle, though it must be poured into a spray bottle since a trigger is not included. It starts killing weeds in less than 24 hours; however, heavier brush may require several applications to finish it off.

Product Specs

• Type: Ready to use
• Active ingredients: Vinegar, salt water, clove oil, lemon juice
• Amount: 1 gallon

Pros

• Multiple active ingredients to target and dry out more weeds
• Dries faster than most formulas, less susceptible to rain
• Large coverage area; ideal for use around driveways, flower beds, fence lines, and more
• 30-day money-back guarantee

Cons

• No sprayer attachment included
• Heavier brush requires multiple treatments

Get the OrganicMatters brush killer at Amazon.

Best for Dense Brush

BioAdvanced Ready To-Use Brush Killer Plus

While organic options present the safest and most environmentally friendly options for killing brush, they generally aren’t as effective against dense brush as chemical herbicides.

With its active ingredients triclopyr and triethylamine salt, BioAdvanced is one of the best brush killers for taking out such stubborn plants as poison ivy, kudzu, blackberries, and poison oak. This spray-on herbicide also works quickly, in just a few hours, making it less vulnerable to rain. Although triclopyr is considered to be safer than some other chemical herbicides, it’s nonetheless somewhat toxic to some birds, mammals, insects, and marine life, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). As such, it’s crucial that users carefully follow product instructions when mixing and applying it.

Product Specs

• Type: Ready to use
• Active ingredients: Triclopyr, triethylamine salt
• Amount: 1 gallon container and 24-ounce spray bottle

Pros

• Strong herbicide quickly kills over 70 types of brush, vines, brambles, and woody plants
• Start seeing results in 1 to 6 weeks
• Includes sprayer with grip-controlled trigger
• Works quickly, making it less susceptible to rain

Cons

• Active ingredient can be toxic to the environment

Get the BioAdvanced brush killer at Amazon (24 ounces) or The Home Depot (1 gallon).

Also Consider

Just for Pets Pet-Safe Weed Killer Spray

Many commercial herbicides contain glyphosate, which is toxic to animals, so they’re a poor choice for those with dogs or cats that go outside or have wildlife roaming their property. Just For Pets Pet-Safe Weed Killer Spray only uses natural ingredients, making it a safer option for pet owners (though its active ingredients are basically the same as other organic weed killers).

This product uses a mix of vinegar, salt water, and clove oil to kill weeds and is ready to use straight out of the bottle. To apply, use the included sprayer attachment to saturate offending weeds. While clove oil does have the potential to cause skin irritations, it is safer for pets than synthetic chemical herbicides.

Product Specs

• Type: Ready to use
• Active ingredients: Vinegar, salt water, clove oil, lemon juice
• Amount: 1 gallon

Pros

• Natural active ingredients that contain no glyphosate
• Includes easy-to-use sprayer attachment
• Works quickly; initial weeds will be gone within the first 24 hours
• A portion of each sale is donated to animal shelters nationwide

Cons

• Clove oil can still be dangerous to animals

Get the Just For Pets brush killer at Amazon.

Or, DIY Your Own Brush Killer

Most organic brush killers use active ingredients that folks typically have in their kitchen pantries—salt, vinegar, dish soap—which means replicating them is fairly easy.

To create a homemade brush killer, mix a gallon of vinegar with 1 tablespoon of dish soap and 1 cup of table salt in a spray bottle. For an even stronger solution, consider purchasing horticultural vinegar, which has a concentration level of 20 percent, significantly higher than the 5 percent vinegar available at the grocery store.

Just keep in mind that this higher concentration of vinegar is much more acidic and therefore has the potential to cause serious eye and skin burns. When using high-concentration vinegar, wear protective eyewear and cover all exposed skin.

Apply the vinegar-salt-soap solution to weeds on a warm, sunny day when the heat will help with the dehydration process.

Jump to Our Top Picks

Our Verdict

There are other common brush killers, including Roundup Ready-to-Use brush killer, Southern Ag CROSSBOW brush kill