New wood fence around yard: how to kill weeds? (grass, pets, dogs)

[missik999]

I just had a new wood privacy fence installed, replacing the old one. My old fence had quite a bit of damage from using a weed eater.

The installer recommended not using a weed eater, to avoid damaging the new fence. He said there was a product that would kill weeds for the entire season that could be sprayed.

I have always avoided weed killer because of my dogs and the wildlife. But I don't want to tear up my new fence either, which I just invested $5000 in.

My yard is nearly half an acre, too big to pull weeds.

A few years ago I tried laying asphalt shingles undetermined the fence but the neighbors complained.

Does anyone with pets use weed killer? Is there such a thing as a safe weed killer?

[SouthernBelleInUtah]

I use Roundup and keep the dogs inside for a few hours until it dries. I assume you mean spraying along the fence line? I also use my weedeater in the edging-around-the-sidewalk position, not the flat position. You get better control over where it is cutting that way. Mine has an adjustment so the head faces flat or verticaly. Actually, it isn't a brand name Weedeater, I forget what it si but I got it at Home Depot.

[Ohiogirl81]

If you don't want to use a weed whacker -- and the above suggestion to turn the thing upside down (if it doesn't have a head that rotates) and edge instead of cutting in a flat circle -- try one of those long-handled grass clippers.

[cittic10]

Spraying herbicide around the entire perimeter of a yard is a lot of work and will look terrible to have those uneven dead spots (read: mud).
If you want to know just how terrible, go to any dog park and look at the trails along the fence.

I have had a wood fence for years and use a trimmer. Never had a problem. If you're worried about it, you can put some metal edging along the bottom of the fence.

[PacificFlights]

Look for a product called Avenger weed herbicide.

[Cav Scout wife]

You want pet safe and environmentally friendly?

Two words: BOILING WATER

Put a pot on and let it get a good heavy rolling boil, then pour in a stream where you don't want weeds. They will be killed by the boiling water.