Best pet-safe options for weed control for someone new to the climate... (house, live)

[Eric618]

Hi everyone,

I just moved here from Pennsylvania [obviously a remarkably different climate]. My home was fully manicured when I moved in, but now I'm getting small weeds all through the dirt and rock sections of my yard. What's the best option for dealing with these? I do not want to use Roundup as I have pets who access the yard. I've read that white vinegar with salt and dishwashing degergent can work well. Any experience there? Any other suggestions would be very welcome.

Sooo, what do all of you guys use to keep your yard weed free? Thanks much in advance!!

[Ponderosa]

I use Roundup! Roundup is pretty safe. It would take a lot of it to harm a pet. In tests, dogs were fed up to 500mg/kg of weight with no toxic effects. Just let it dry and don't let them drink the mix.

[ElleTea]

Originally Posted by Ponderosa

I use Roundup! Roundup is pretty safe. It would take a lot of it to harm a pet. In tests, dogs were fed up to 500mg/kg of weight with no toxic effects. Just let it dry and don't let them drink the mix.

Yeah, I have used Roundup in the past (had 3 cats and 2 dogs at that time). As long as the pets don't get into it when it is wet, it shouldn't be an issue.

[Finger Laker]

agreed - roundup and/or some pre-emergent will do the trick

I tend to use it a lot on the rocks in the front and side of my house (where my dog really never is)

In the backyard I'm a bit more picky due to dogs/kids playing there (and both like to put things in their mouths..........), but will still use it for a bit of the weeds - especially those ones that are out of the way

[Eric618]

Thanks everyone!

[hikernut]

I use Roundup, which breaks down pretty quickly.

If you don't want to use any herbicides, consider putting new weed barrier underneath the gravel. This works pretty well as long as there's not much dirt in the gravel. But over time debris builds up, and you'll have to re-do your work. This is probably the best bang for the buck with respect to orgainc solutions.

Salt can kill grass/bushes/trees that you intend to keep, so be careful with it.

hikernut

[Eric618]

With a vinegar/salt solution, does that knock out the roots as well? I did spray some areas down earlier with the vinegar/salt/detergent stuff. I've gotta say, the stuff that was in direct sunlight is dead ALREADY! If that killed the weeds as well it's a keeper.

[S. Chris Webb]

I've heard that 10% vinegar will do the trick. You can get regular up to 10% by letting it evaporate. Eric618 what was your formula?

[Eric618]

I used a gallon of 5% white vinegar from Fry's along with roughly two cups of salt and a pretty good squeeze of dish detergent. If I had to guess I'd say 4-5 tablespoons worth.

[Zippyman]

after you live here a while & spend a few hours on your knees picking weeds, you'll get over those environmental objections & actually crave the sweet, deadly poison..

looking at my yard right now, I'd be all over a motor oil/ ddt /nuclear waste & napalm combo if I thought it would make those weeds finally surrender.