Should I Use Bleach to Kill Weeds on My Lawn?
While bleach does kill weeds, the more important question is whether you should, and the experts I interviewed all agree that the answer is no.
“I understand the temptation, but using bleach on weeds is a very bad idea,” says Lloyd. “Bleach does kill weeds, but it also harms everything else it touches, and although you think you’re directing it just at the root of the weed — it’ll spread to your soil.”
Bleach can kill earthworms, insects and microorganisms vital for soil health. It can also spread to the roots of nearby desirable plants, either causing disease or killing them outright.
“Bleach can leave residue behind in the soil and make the soil pH more alkaline, which can affect the growth of plants in the surrounding area,” says Handley. To amplify this concern, Walts adds that it can make the soil unsuitable for most plants to grow back in that area for a long time.
DIY weed control methods
“Baking soda is a much better DIY alternative,” says Walts. He recommends either applying it directly from the box or mixing it with water. Lloyd adds that you should also consider things like vinegar-based weed sprays, boiling water, or even just pulling them out by hand.
If you’re going to use bleach anyway, here’s Handley’s advice: “Try to use it in a targeted and controlled manner, only applying small amounts to the weed directly. Some people use a spray bottle and dilute the solution to try and combat the strength and just re-apply more often.”
Can I Use Bleach To Kill Weeds in My Driveway?
If weeds grow through the cracks in your driveway, you don’t have to worry about harming nearby plants or the soil under the driveway. That makes bleach an effective control method because not only will it kill the weeds, it will render the soil inhospitable for new ones. If you use this method, make a strong bleach solution — the stronger, the better — and be sure to soak the weeds thoroughly to be sure the bleach gets to the roots.
About the Experts
- Ryan Walts is a training manager and business coach at Lawn Squad, a franchise lawn care business based in Columbia, MD.
- Harry Lloyd is a passionate gardener and waste management expert at HIPPO, a rubbish removal service based in the UK.
- Chrissie Handley is a lawn care specialist and gardening expert providing tailored advice on laying turf, garden maintenance and general gardening tips for Online Turf — a turf, soil and compost company based in Lancashire, UK.
