Weed killers are designed to kill plants, so it stands to reason that they would also kill flowers. However, not all weed killers are created equal. Some are more targeted in their kill, while others are non-selective, so they kill any plant they come in contact with, flowers included.
Selective weed killers are herbicides that kill specific weeds without harming the plants around them. They accomplish this by targeting the weed’s unique metabolism, causing them to die quickly. This herbicide is often used in gardens and lawns, where it is important to target specific weeds without damaging the surrounding vegetation.
Most selective weed killers contain one or more of the following herbicides: 2,4-D, dicamba, or triclopyr.
2,4-D is a broadleaf herbicide that kills dandelions, clover, and other common lawn weeds. It’s also relatively safe to use around grasses, so you don’t have to worry about accidentally killing your lawn.
Dicamba is another common broadleaf herbicide that controls everything from annual weeds to trees and shrubs. It’s a bit more toxic than 2,4-D, so take care when using it around desirable plants.
Triclopyr is a broadleaf and woody plant herbicide often used in forestry applications. It’s effective at killing tough weeds like Poison Ivy and Kudzu.
Ready to green up your lawn this year? Read on for our top lawn care tips for early spring.
Non-selective weed killers are herbicides that kill any plant they come in contact with, including flowers. These herbicides work by causing cell death in the plant, resulting in a quick and complete kill.
Glyphosate is the most common type of non-selective herbicide. It’s often used in agriculture and for commercial weed control.
Glyphosate is a broad-spectrum herbicide, meaning it will kill most plants. It’s also very effective at killing weeds that have developed herbicide resistance.
Organic weed killers are a great alternative to traditional herbicides for those who want to avoid using synthetic chemicals. These products typically use vinegar, salt, soap, or lemon juice as their active ingredient.
These products typically don’t work as well as chemical weed killers, but they are safe to use around flowers and other plants.
While organic weed killers are a great option for those who avoid using chemicals, synthetic weed killers offer the best results for most weeds. These products typically contain one or more of the following herbicides: glyphosate, 2,4-D, dicamba, or triclopyr.
If you have both a lawn and flower beds in your yard, you may be wondering if you can use a weed and feed product safely around your flowers. This common lawn care product promises to fertilize grass while killing weeds, making it very appealing. But with the herbicide mixed in, will weed and feed damage or kill your colorful blooms?
It’s a key question for any gardener looking for an easy way to care for mixed planting areas. The potential risks depend on the specific active ingredients in the weed and feed you choose. But with care and caution these combination fertilizer-herbicide products can often be used selectively.
How Do Weed and Feed Products Work?
Weed and feed contains two main components:
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Fertilizer to nourish the lawn grass and promote thick, green growth
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Herbicide to target and eliminate broadleaf weeds like dandelions, plantain and clover.
The products come in granular form. When watered in after application, the fertilizer feeds the grass roots while the herbicide is absorbed by weed leaves. The active chemical kills the weeds without harming most lawn grasses.
What Are the Risks to Flowers?
While great for grass, most standard weed and feed products are not recommended for use around ornamental plantings. Here are some of the potential risks to flowers:
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Foliar damage – Granules landing directly on leaves and flowers can injure them when watered in.
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Root uptake – Chemicals that leach into the surrounding soil can be absorbed by plant roots, damaging or killing them.
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Residual activity – Some herbicides like 2,4-D remain active in soil for weeks, posing ongoing risk.
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Delayed impacts – Damage may take days or weeks after exposure to become visible.
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Increased vulnerability – Even if they survive, herbicide exposure can weaken plants and make them more prone to stress, pests and diseases.
For these reasons, it’s best to keep traditional weed and feed well away from flower beds, gardens, shrubs and other desirable plantings you don’t want to risk injuring.
Are There Any Weed and Feed Products Safe for Flowers?
While most standard weed and feeds are too hazardous for ornamentals, there are some products specially formulated to be low risk when used carefully around established plants. Examples include:
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Preen Flower and Vegetable Garden Weed Preventer – Contains trifluralin herbicide and fertilizer. Trifluralin prevents new weeds but will not harm mature plants.
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Scotts Turf Builder Weed and Feed 3 – Uses 2,4-D, MCPP, dicamba and carfentrazone as its active ingredients. Labeled as safe for many listed flowers when used as directed.
Even these products should be kept off flower foliage. And they should never be used around newly planted flowers or vegetables. Test them first on small areas of established plantings and always follow label directions precisely.
How to Use Weed and Feed Safely Around Flowers
To reduce the chances of damage, here are some tips for selective weed and feed use where flowers are present:
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Carefully read the product label for flower safety information. Avoid products that don’t specify ornamental use.
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Prevent granules from contacting flower foliage by using a shield or washing off immediately if any does land on plants.
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Apply weed and feed at least several years after planting new ornamentals to allow them to mature.
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Water in thoroughly after application to avoid herbicide dust contacting flowers.
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Consider spot spraying weeds rather than broadcasting weed and feed in mixed planting areas.
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Test new products each year on small sections of flowers and beds first before widescale use.
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Rotate between different active ingredients each season to avoid overexposing soil and plants repeatedly to the same chemicals.
With smart practices, many weed and feed products can be safely used near established flowers. But it’s always wise to exercise caution and prevent direct contact with ornamental plantings.
What Are Some Alternatives for Weed Control in Gardens?
If you decide even the safer weed and feed options are too risky for your flowers and vegetables, there are other effective options for keeping beds and borders weed-free:
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Mulching areas heavily with bark, leaves or other organic materials smothers emerging weeds.
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Manual weeding by hand pulling or hoeing avoids herbicide use entirely.
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Targeted spot sprays of general weed killers directly onto unwanted plants.
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Landscape fabric barriers block light to prevent weeds without chemicals.
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Corn gluten meal is an organic pre-emergent weed preventer safe for flowers.
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Vinegar can be used as a mild natural herbicide on young weeds.
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Maintaining turf density with proper mowing, watering, fertilizing and overseeding allows grass to outcompete weeds.
With integrated strategies like these, the lawn and garden can be kept robust and weed-free without having to rely solely on chemical weed and feed products around delicate flowers.
Key Takeaways on Weed and Feed and Flowers
To summarize, key points to understand about minimizing risks from weed and feed use around ornamental plants include:
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Standard weed and feed can damage or kill flowers, vegetables and shrubs. Read labels carefully.
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Some products are specially formulated to be safe on listed species when used as directed.
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Prevent granules from contacting flower foliage to avoid injury.
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Allow new plantings to mature over 2-3 years before using weed and feed nearby.
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Spot treat weeds rather than broadcast applying weed and feed in mixed beds.
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Test products first on small areas of flowers each year before widespread use.
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Rotate chemical modes of action to avoid overexposing plants to the same active ingredients.
With vigilance and care, many flowering plants can tolerate selective use of safer weed and feed products. But when in doubt, use alternative non-chemical methods for managing weeds around delicate ornamentals. Your flowers will reward you with a long and vibrant bloom season.
Cover Weed With Milk Jug Trick
If you don’t want to use herbicides or are worried about harming your flowers, you can try the milk jug trick. This involves placing a milk jug with the top cut off over the weed while you spray it with herbicides.
This method will protect any surrounding plants or flowers from overspray.
What Is Spray Drift or Overspray?
Spray drift occurs when herbicide particles travel through the air and land on nearby plants, causing them to become damaged or killed. This often happens when herbicides are applied in windy conditions.
Overspray occurs when herbicide particles land on areas you didn’t intend to treat. This happens if you don’t have the proper equipment to apply the herbicide or if you don’t follow the directions on the label.
To avoid spray drift and overspray, always follow the herbicide label’s directions and apply the herbicide on calm days with little wind.
You should also ensure you have the proper equipment to apply the herbicide, such as a pump sprayer or hose-end sprayer.
DON’T Use Weed & Feed!!! *USE THIS INSTEAD*
FAQ
Can you use weed and feed around flowers?
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Reddit · r/lawncarehttps://www.reddit.comIs scott turf builder weed and feed safe around shrubs, flower beds and trees? basically is there an areas I should avoid. : r/lawncareMay 10, 2022
Is there a weed killer that won’t kill flowers?
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A broadleaf weed killer often used in flower beds, but should be used with caution around ornamental plants.
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Another selective herbicide, often used with other herbicides, also requires careful application to avoid damaging ornamental plants.
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MCPA:A selective herbicide that can be used in flower beds to control broadleaf weeds.
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Effective against certain broadleaf weeds, suitable for flower beds and ornamental landscapes.
What plants does weed and feed kill?
Weed and feed only works on broadleaf weeds, such as dandelions, chickweed, knotweed, plantains, henbit, and spurge.
Can I kill weeds without killing my flowers?
Use Mulching and Edging to Your Advantage
Another weed control tactic that won’t harm your plants (in fact, it will help them) is mulching and edging your plant beds. Mulch can act as an effective weed suppressant by making it difficult for weeds to break through that added layer. Weeds won’t have access to sunlight.
Can you use Weed and feed on flowers?
These would almost surely hurt your flowers. If you used the latter product, dig up your plants, wash the soil from their roots, plant in a new spot and keep your fingers tightly crossed. Q: Can you use “weed and feed” on flowers?
Is weed n feed safe for ornamental plants?
Weed and feed is not safe for shrubs, flower beds, and trees. Not a big fan of weed and feed. Better off spot treating weeds. Be careful on the application and follow the instructions. I would not apply too close to your garden. Weed n Feed active ingredient is 2,4D Does it not say it’s not safe for ornamental plants on the bag?
Is weed and Feed Safe?
Any concentration of weed and feed will burn anything it’s around, except bigger trees Weed and feed is not safe for shrubs, flower beds, and trees. Not a big fan of weed and feed. Better off spot treating weeds. Be careful on the application and follow the instructions. I would not apply too close to your garden.
Do weed n feed products kill weeds?
Consumers should also realize that weed ‘n feed products may kill existing weeds, but do not prevent new weeds from growing. You can prevent new weeds from germinating by applying a pre-emergent herbicide during that first warm spell in spring and in the early fall.
Does weed n feed kill dandelions?
A mix of three “phenoxy herbicides” called 2,4-D, dicamba and mecoprop typically blended together into weed killers and weed ‘n feed products, they kill broadleaf plants such as dandelions while sparing grass. The lure of convenience, and effective marketing, have made weed ‘n feed among the most frequently used lawn care products.
Can you use Weed & feed on trees?
Weed and feed can have different herbicides depending on your region, but none of them are safe for use around shrubs and trees. Keep in mind the roots can extend very far from the trees, and also think about the grade of your lawn and how water can wash herbicides from one area to another…