Weed killers

Best Brush Killer: 10 Most Effective Options in 2022

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by Bryan Mckenzie

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Are you looking for the best brush killer for your property? This product helps you maintain a great-looking lawn and property with minimal effort on your part. If you didn’t use brush killers, you might not even know where to begin. Modern brush killers come in various forms and have different ingredients on the list. In this guide, you will read about the most effective brush killers and learn which factors to consider before purchasing one for your space.

Product
Fertilome (11485) Brush Killer Stump Killer...
BioAdvanced Brush Killer Plus, Ready-to-Use,...
Southern Ag Brush Killer 8.8% Triclopyr...
Title
Fertilome (11485) Brush Killer Stump Killer...
BioAdvanced Brush Killer Plus, Ready-to-Use,...
Southern Ag Brush Killer 8.8% Triclopyr...
Price
$20.99
$18.97
$49.23
Prime
Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime
-
Pros
Contains Triclopyr in 8.8% concentration
Rainproof after 4 hours from the moment of application
Works even on hard-to-kill weeds
Product
Fertilome (11485) Brush Killer Stump Killer...
Title
Fertilome (11485) Brush Killer Stump Killer...
Price
$20.99
Prime
Amazon Prime
Pros
Contains Triclopyr in 8.8% concentration
My previewe
Product
BioAdvanced Brush Killer Plus, Ready-to-Use,...
Title
BioAdvanced Brush Killer Plus, Ready-to-Use,...
Price
$18.97
Prime
Amazon Prime
Pros
Rainproof after 4 hours from the moment of application
My previewe
Product
Southern Ag Brush Killer 8.8% Triclopyr...
Title
Southern Ag Brush Killer 8.8% Triclopyr...
Price
$49.23
Prime
-
Pros
Works even on hard-to-kill weeds
My previewe

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10 Best Brush Killers Reviewed

If you want to purchase an excellent product that will save you from a constant battle with new weeds, it is important to find the right brush killer. Here you can find ten great options available on the market.

1. Fertilome Brush Killer — Top Pick Heavy Brush Killer

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In my opinion, Fertilome brush killer is one of the best products you can purchase for getting rid of vines, weeds, and different stumps. This product is suitable for controlling the growth of undesirable weeds and plants close to houses, around fences, and in other areas where you don’t grow vegetables or crops. Similar to other popular brush killers, it contains Triclopyr in 8.8% concentration. I started seeing the results in just a week, so it’s surely an excellent product at a reasonable price.

Pros
  • Ideal product for long-term use;
  • Highly effective for a wide range of stumps, plants, and weeds;
  • Reasonable price;
  • Shows quick results;
  • Easy to use.
Cons
  • Doesn’t have a spray nose for easy application;
  • The product might not work on all stumps.

2. BioAdvanced Brush Killer – Brush Killer Herbicide for Various Weeds

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Another worthy product on this list is BioAdvanced. I’d been using this brush killer for weeks and was happy with the results that it provided. It is suitable for removing poison ivy, kudzu, bramble, and dozens of other weeds that can cover your entire property. What is also great about this product is that it has a sprayer, which makes using it extremely convenient. Another great feature is that once you use this brush killer and wait for 4 hours, it won’t be washed off by the rain.

Pros
  • Rainproof after 4 hours from the moment of application;
  • Ready-to-use product;
  • Has a spray bottle for convenience;
  • Effective for many types of weeds.
Cons
  • It would be better to get results quicker.

3. Southern Ag Brush Killer — Premium Brush Killer for Fence Rows

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I’ve had to get rid of some hard-to-kill weeds and vines in my yard, so I decided to try out this product from Southern Ag. This solution works not only on regular weeds but also on woody plants, trees, and Brazilian pepper that can attack your property. This brush killer works thanks to a combination of triclopyr and triethylamine salt to provide great results. It should be used undiluted but remember to apply it only in non-crop areas.

Pros
  • Works even on hard-to-kill weeds;
  • Good value;
  • Doesn’t need to be diluted;
  • Effective and reasonably priced.
Cons
  • Minimum two weeks to see the results.

4. Roundup Brush Killer — Quality Brush Killer Concentrate for Tough Weeds

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Roundup brush killer is another product that should be mentioned in this review. I’ve noticed that it works on tough weeds, but it takes longer than 24 hours to see the first results as opposed to the information stated by the manufacturer. This brush killer effectively removes blackberries, poison ivy, poison sumac, kudzu, and much more. What I like is that you can use it even in areas where it rains often, as it becomes rainproof after only 30 minutes.

Pros
  • Rainproof after only 30 minutes;
  • Highly effective at killing leaves.
Cons
  • It takes longer than stated to see the first results.

5. Monterey Brush Killer — Potent Brush Killer Concentrate for Woody Plants

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Monterey brush killer comes in a 32 oz bottle and can be used for controlling both vines and woody plants. The list of plants that it works on includes but is not limited to poison oak, poison ivy, cottonwood, and much more.

Be careful to dilute this product before use, since it is highly concentrated. I had to wear a hazmat suit to ensure that none of this stuff got on me or my clothes. You should keep in mind that the effectiveness of this product will be reduced if it rains within 24 hours after you use it.

Pros
  • Perfect solution for woody plants;
  • Can be used on stumps;
  • A large bottle at a reasonable cost.
Cons
  • Can be used only in dry weather;
  • Has to be diluted with water.

6. BrushTox Brush Killer — Efficient Killer for Trees and Different Weeds

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The next product I’ve put on the list is BrushTox brush killer. I used it around my fencing and was quite impressed with the results. It works against a large number of weeds and woody plants, such as wild rose, oak, sweetgum, aspen, mesquite, and more. If you want to ensure that stumps don’t resprout, you should apply this product right on cuts. The product goes a long way, so it’s definitely a great one.

Pros
  • A powerful solution even for hard-to-kill plants;
  • Easy to use;
  • In its diluted form, it can cover an acre.
Cons
  • More expensive than other options.

7. Bonide Brush Killer — Effective for Over 240 Types of Weeds

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This brush killer from Bonide works wonders for a huge variety of unwanted plants and weeds. According to the manufacturer, it can kill dandelion, kudzu, thistle, clover, poison oak, and more than 240 species of other plants. What is great is that it kills broadleaf weeds without harming lawn grass, and this is something that I’ve tested personally on my property. If you want to apply it on stumps, you should not dilute the solution. If you want to use it on weeds, it is necessary to mix it with water.

Pros
  • Eliminates hundreds of weeds;
  • Doesn’t kill lawn grass;
  • Dilutes in water without any problems.
Cons
  • Requires protective clothing to be used.

8. Remedy Ultra Herbicide Brush Killer — Safe General Brush Control

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Another brush killer that provides impressive results is Remedy Ultra Herbicide. This product is designed to control over 35 different weeds, so if you have a wider variety, you might need a different option.

This was the exact reason I bought it since I had a wide variety of weeds that I had to take care of. Another great thing about this brush killer is that it has no distinct odor, and it is suitable for any type of property. You can apply it on cut stumps, use it as a spray, or spread it with the aerial broadcast. The product contains two powerful ingredients — butoxyethyl ester and triclopyr.

Pros
  • The product is durable;
  • It can be used both diluted and undiluted;
  • Works with several application methods.
Cons
  • It works on a limited number of weeds.

9. Gordon’s Brush Killer — Commercial Brush Killer for Any Property

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This brush killer from Gordon’s is a concentrated solution in a 1-gallon bottle that is perfect for use on large properties. With the help of this product, you can get rid of thistle, black locust, poison ivy, and many other weeds that are difficult to eliminate.

Gordon’s brush killer contains three effective ingredients — dicamba, 2,4-D amine, and Triclopyr amine. You can use this product as a spot treatment.

My friends always opt for this product to keep their poison ivy in check. Their backyard would have turned into a literal jungle if they hadn’t used brush killers each year.

Pros
  • Contains three effective ingredients;
  • Ideal for large properties;
  • Kills a large number of weeds.
Cons
  • Gives slower results compared to other options.

10. Bayer Advanced Brush Killer — Rainproof Affordable Brush Killer

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Last but not least, I have to talk about the Bayer Advanced brush killer. I’ve used this product several times in my yard, and this is a great product that becomes rainproof quickly after application, making it ideal for the humid climate. The brush killer works on more than 200 different weeds, but you should remember that it doesn’t work on some widespread weeds. Overall, this is a great option at a reasonable cost.

Pros
  • Becomes rainproof quickly after its application;
  • Convenient solution;
  • Doesn’t harm lawn grass.
Cons
  • Doesn’t kill some common weeds.

Brush Killer Buyer’s Guide

These days, there is an abundance of different brush killers on the market, so it can be quite challenging to select one for your property. Before you purchase a specific product, there are a number of characteristics you should consider.

Spraying the weed on the tree with a brush killer

Types of brush killers

The size of your property and how much weed you want to eliminate determine the type of brush killer you should purchase. Modern brush killers can be divided into two main categories.

 1. Concentrated formula

The majority of products that you can purchase nowadays are concentrated and come in the form of liquids. Before you can use such products on your property and pour them into a sprayer, you have to mix them with water in a proportion stated on the packaging. While this means more effort on your part, the advantage is that such brush killers usually last more. If you have a large property, purchasing such a product would be the wisest decision.

 2. Ready-to-use products

In addition to the concentrated brush killers, there are also ready-to-use solutions that don’t require any mixing. Such products usually come already with sprayers, so the process of using them is as straightforward as it gets. If you have a lot of weeds, it is best to transfer the product into a larger sprayer because it will take you a long time to cover all weeds with the original sprayer.

Ingredients

The next thing that you should pay attention to before buying a brush killer is its ingredients. The formulas of modern brush killers are often quite similar, as there are four main ingredients that you can see most often. The main difference is in the combination of such components and their concentration. All of them are effective against weeds, but there are still a few differences when it comes to what kinds of plants they eliminate best.

The popular ingredients of brush killers include the following:

Triclopyr

This is the most widely used component that you will find in modern brush killers. This component belongs to selective herbicides, which means that it cannot kill all plants that it covers. It is particularly effective on sweetgum, mesquite, and a large number of other woody plants. The product containing triclopyr is mostly suitable for controlling the lawn and areas close to it, as it won’t affect most types of lawn grass.

Glyphosate

The next ingredient you are likely to see when looking for a brush killer is glyphosate. As opposed to triclopyr, this component is considered a non-selective herbicide. It means that it eliminates all types of plants that it touches, including grass, vines, and woody plants. One thing to note is that you have to be careful to avoid spraying plants that you want to leave.

2,4-D

This is another widely used selective herbicide that is highly effective at killing broadleaf weeds. It is often used in combination with triclopyr to get the best results.

Fluazifop

Also often used with triclopyr, fluazifop is an ingredient that works well on broadleaf weeds, thick grass, and sedges. It is especially effective when used along with another herbicide.

What to Consider When Buying a Brush Killer

In addition to looking at the ingredients, there are other characteristics you should consider.

When will the first results appear?

Brush killers differ when it comes to how long you need to wait before you start seeing the results. In the case of vines and grass, you are likely to notice them withering away in just several days. Woody plants will definitely take longer, and you might not notice any difference in how they look for up to 4-6 weeks. You can see the information on how often you need to reapply a brush killer in its instructions.

Rainproof

Another important thing to look for when choosing a brush killer is whether it is water-resistant or not. A large percentage of modern brush killers are rainproof, which means that you can use them even if there is a chance that it will be raining tomorrow. At the same time, brush killers don’t become rainproof instantly, and the waiting time depends on the manufacturer and ingredients. In some cases, it can take 24 hours while other products become water-resistant in just 30 minutes. Depending on the climate where you live, you should choose appropriate products, and it is still better to apply brush killers on days when it doesn’t rain.

Safety

The majority of brush killers that you can freely purchase are safe for commercial and private use if you follow all the safety precautions. If you purchase a product that needs to be mixed, you should follow safety measures on the packaging. You shouldn’t neglect recommendations and wear protective gloves or clothing if necessary. If you have pets or children, you should look for products that will not be harmful to them.

Brush Killer FAQ

Weed bushes

Below, I would like to answer some of the most common questions that I’m getting regarding brush killers.

What kills brush permanently?

Brush killers that contain triclopyr, glyphosate, 2,4-D, or fluazifop are created to kill vegetation permanently. The way they work is that the product enters leaves or stumps of plants and then moves through the stems right to the roots where they can be destroyed. The more concentrated brush killers are, the faster you will see the results. The plants that have been affected by brush killers won’t grow back again, but there is always a possibility that new seeds will get into the ground, and you will see new weeds later.

What is the strongest brush killer?

A lot of brush killers contain triclopyr as the main active ingredient. Products that have a high concentration of this ingredient are considered the strongest ones, so if you have hard-to-kill weeds or a large property with constantly growing weeds, you should choose the strongest option. Fertilome is one of the most potent brush killers on the market because it has an 8.8% concentration of triclopyr as opposed to many products that contain only 1% or even less.

Also, if you want a powerful solution, there are brush killers that use a combination of triclopyr with other ingredients that also help achieve the desired effect. One thing to note is that even concentrated brush killers often require several applications when you need to eliminate trees or other plants that can be difficult to cope with.

What kills brush and small trees?

The effect of brush killers varies depending on the ingredients. Regardless of the components, most brush killers get rid of tender vines and plants, but not all of them will be effective on small trees and woody plants. To get rid of small trees, you should use products with triclopyr or glyphosate, which are considered powerful enough to deal with such vegetation. By applying the product to the leaves of plants, the poison will reach the roots. In many cases, it is necessary to apply a brush killer more than once after several weeks to kill a tree.

Is brush killer stronger than Roundup?

Roundup is considered a non-selective herbicide, which means that it eliminates all plants that it touches. As opposed to Roundup, a brush killer belongs to the group of selective herbicides that eliminate weeds, trees, and shrubs with broader leaves. A brush killer is designed in such a way that it doesn’t affect grass and doesn’t kill plants that have narrow leaves. If we consider the selection of plants that can be eliminated with brush killer, it is definitely stronger compared to Roundup.

Choose the Most Suitable Solution for Your Property

These days, the variety of brush killers is impressive. Before choosing a brush killer, you should consider the size of your property, how safe it is, and what ingredients it contains. The brush killer from Fertilome is a top pick of this guide due to the combination of its effectiveness, reasonable cost, and quick results. It effectively eliminates plants that are difficult to get rid of, so it is a popular choice for small and large properties.

Do you have any other questions about brush killers? What brush killer do you consider the best? Please, tell us what you think and leave any questions in the comments below!

About
Bryan Mckenzie
Hi there — my name is Bryan McKenzie. Before I’d got into gardening, I worked as a landscape designer at landscape design and consultation company in Jacksonville. I enjoy sharing the vast gardening experience I’ve accumulated throughout the years with like-minded green thumbs. Read more about me and my wife.
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