Target Pests
Nearly all annual and perennial weeds, grasses, broadleaf plants, and woody brush. Non-selective - kills virtually any green plant it contacts. Used for: driveway/patio weed control, fence line clearing, pre-planting field preparation, stump treatment, invasive plant management. Does NOT work as a pre-emergent - only kills actively growing plants.
Products and Brand Names
Roundup (Bayer/Monsanto - the iconic brand), Ranger Pro, Compare-N-Save Concentrate 41% Glyphosate, RM43 (with imazapyr for total vegetation control), Rodeo (aquatic-labeled formulation), Hi-Yield Super Concentrate, hundreds of generic 41% glyphosate concentrates.
Safety and Precautions
Low acute toxicity to mammals, birds, and fish. The active ingredient glyphosate has an excellent acute safety profile. However, the formulated products (especially those containing POEA surfactant) have higher toxicity than the active ingredient alone.
Pro Tips
Application basics: Apply to actively growing weeds on a calm, dry day. No rain for 6 hours after application. Visible results in 7-14 days (it works slowly because it is systemic - traveling from leaves to roots). Do not mow for 7 days before or after application.
Concentration guide: For annual weeds: 1-2% solution. For perennial weeds (dandelions, quackgrass): 2-3%. For woody brush and stumps: 5-10%. Most consumer products are pre-diluted ready-to-use at appropriate concentrations.
The drift problem: Glyphosate kills ANY plant it contacts. Spray drift onto desirable plants, trees, and gardens is the number one complaint. Use a shield or cardboard barrier when spraying near valued plants. Never spray in wind above 5 mph. Foam markers help prevent overlap.
Non-selective means NON-SELECTIVE: It will kill your grass, your flowers, and your vegetable garden just as effectively as it kills weeds. For lawn weed control, use selective herbicides (2,4-D, dicamba) that kill broadleaf weeds but spare grass.
🐛 Pests This Treats — Learn More
Click any pest to view its full identification guide, biology, and treatment options.
🌿 Environmental & Ecological Impact
⏱️ Residual & Re-entry Timeline
🔄 Alternatives & Related Products
Same chemical class or different approaches to the same pests.
↔️Different approach: Botanical Pyrethrin
Different approach: Inorganic
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
📋 Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
Glyphosate Herbicide — Safety Data Sheet
View the official SDS document for this product directly on the CDMS label database.
