Best Weed Killer For Goat Heads of 2024: Top 6 Picks

By Harry RamosLast update: 2024-11-01

Goat head weeds are a real nuisance for any lawn owner and gardener. If left unchecked, these thorny weeds can quickly take over your outdoor space and ruin the beauty of your landscape. But with the best weed killer for goat heads, the problem will be solved easily.

Here are the best weed killers for goat heads you can buy in 2024:

  • Best For Ornamental Turf: Southern Ag 00203
  • Best For Actively Growing Goat Heads: Compare-N-Save 75323
  • Quick Result: Ortho 449105
  • Shortest Rainfast Period: Spectracide 96451
  • Best For Fencerows: Compare-N-Save 75311
  • Best For Established Grass: Hi-Yield 21416
6 Best Weed Killers For Goat Heads
Best For Ornamental Turf
Southern Ag 00203
    Best For Actively Growing Goat Heads
    Compare-N-Save 75323
      Quick Result
      Ortho 449105
        Shortest Rainfast Period
        Spectracide 96451
          Best For Fencerows
          Compare-N-Save 75311
            Best For Established Grass
            Hi-Yield 21416

              Best For Ornamental Turf: Southern Ag 00203

              Southern Ag 00203
              Southern Ag 00203
              Pros
              • Effective in controlling goat heads without harming ornament turf - Ag Amine
              • Easy to carry around – the top handle
              Cons
              • It’s not safe for dogs.

              The Southern Ag 00203 is an auxin-type herbicide that selectively targets broadleaf weeds. Its active ingredient is Ag Amine, which is much more effective than amines.

              This makes the herbicide effectively kill and prevent goat head weeds without harming ornamental turf.

              There are two things to keep in mind while using this product: 1) it should be used according to the label instructions and 2) dogs may be more sensitive to Ag Amine than other animals, so care should be taken to keep them away from treated areas.

              Southern Ag 00203 Specifications

              Weight

              32oz

              Volume

              948 Milliliters

              Ingredients

              Ag Amine

              Highlight Features

              Ag Amine

              Verdict

              We love the Southern Ag 00203 because it kills and prevents goat heads effectively but does not harm ornament turf.

              Best For Actively Growing Goat Heads: Compare-N-Save 75323

              Compare-N-Save 75323
              Compare-N-Save 75323
              Pros
              • Able to control actively growing goat heads - 41% glyphosate
              • Not too prone to be washed off - rainproof in one hour
              Cons
              • Wish it had a handle

              To successfully deal with actively growing goat head weeds, you should choose a herbicide that contains Glyphosate, like the Compare-N-Save 75323.

              The reason is Glyphosate, after being applied onto the weeds, will move through plant tissue and inhibits an important enzyme needed for multiple plant processes, including growth. It prevents goat heads from making certain proteins that are necessary for plant growth.

              The Compare-N-Save 75323 contains 41% glyphosate, and is rainproof in one hour. Its coverage is up to 6,300 square feet, perfect for large areas.

              Compare-N-Save 75323 Specifications

              Weight

              2.25 Pounds

              Volume

              32 ounces

              Ingredients

              Glyphosate

              Highlight Features

              41% glyphosate

              rainproof in one hour

              Verdict

              The Compare-N-Save 75323 is specifically formulated to deal with actively growing goat head weeds.

              Quick Result: Ortho 449105

              Ortho 449105
              Ortho 449105
              Pros
              • Deliver results in hours – a fast-acting formula
              • Easy to apply – the bottle designed with a hose sprayer
              • Cost-efficient – coverage of up to 16,000 square feet
              Cons
              • Vague instructions
              • It has uncomfortable smell

              The Ortho 449105 is favored by a lot of gardeners and lawn owners who are struggling with those pesky goat head weeds.

              The reason is this herbicide won't harm your grass when used as directed, and it kills weeds down to the roots with results in hours. The product kills goat head weeds down to the root and can be used with a hose sprayer for broad coverage or a pump sprayer for spot treatment.

              Plus, it treats up to 16,000 square feet and is formulated to be rainproof in one hour.

              Ortho 449105 Specifications

              Weight

              33.28 Ounces

              Volume

              32 Fluid Ounces

              Ingredients

              Herbicide

              Highlight Features

              a fast-acting formula

              the bottle designed with a hose sprayer

              coverage of up to 16,000 square feet

              Verdict

              The Ortho 449105 is a fast-acting formula that can give you quick results (within hours) after applications.

              Shortest Rainfast Period: Spectracide 96451

              Spectracide 96451
              Spectracide 96451
              Pros
              • Ideal for use on areas with frequent rainfall – rainfast period of 3 hours
              • Able to kill and control ants
              • Long-lasting, up to 5 months
              Cons
              • Confusing instructions

              What's so special about the Spectracide 96451 is the incredibly short rainfast period - three hours, which makes it a great choice when controlling goat head weeds in areas with frequent rainfall.

              This herbicide has a powerful formula that offers extended weed control for up to five months.

              Another selling point is the product not just controls all types of listed broadleaf and grassy weeds but also kills by contact and provides season-long control against ants.

              Moreover, it's safe to use around children and pets when used as directed.

              Spectracide 96451 Specifications

              Weight

              64 Ounces

              Volume

              64 Fluid Ounces

              Ingredients

              Herbicide

              Highlight Features

              rainfast period of 3 hours

              Able to kill and control ants

              Long-lasting, up to 5 months

              Verdict

              If you’re living in an area with frequent rainfall and are looking for an effective weed killer for goat heads, you will love the Spectracide 96451 as it has the shortest rainfast period.

              Best For Fencerows: Compare-N-Save 75311

              Compare-N-Save 75311
              Compare-N-Save 75311
              Pros
              • Easy to apply to fencerows
              • Effective and economical in killing goat heads - 2,4-D Amine
              Cons
              • It takes time to eliminate weeds thoroughly

              The Compare-N-Save 75311 is a water-dilutable amine specifically designed for use on weeds, including goat head weeds.

              It can be mixed with water and applied with a hand sprayer to effectively eliminate weeds, making it ideal for use in fencerows.

              The active ingredient of this herbicide is 2,4-D, a post-emergent herbicide that provides selective control over broadleaf weeds while leaving grasses unaffected. In fact, it is approved for use on Zoysia, Kikuyu, and Couch grasses.

              Compare-N-Save 75311 Specifications

              Weight

              2.25 Pounds

              Volume


              32 Fluid Ounces

              Ingredients

              2,4-D Amine

              Highlight Features

              Easy to apply to fencerows

              2,4-D Amine

              Verdict

              The Compare-N-Save 75311 is easy to use, especially on fencerows, making it one of our favorite picks.

              Best For Established Grass: Hi-Yield 21416

              Hi-Yield 21416
              Hi-Yield 21416
              Pros
              • Safe to be applied on established grass - 2,4-D acid
              • Comfortable to use – odorless and non-volatile formula
              Cons
              • The instructions could be clearer

              Yep, the Hi-Yield 21416 can be used on established grass because it is a selective herbicide that targets weeds, not grasses.

              It contains the active ingredient 2,4-D which is a widely used weed killer that is effective against many broadleaf weeds (including goat head weeds) without damaging the lawn. It also successfully controls unwanted aquatic weeds and trees.

              But unlike other products, the Hi-Yield 21416 is non-volatile and does not have any odors or smells.

              Hi-Yield 21416 Specifications

              Weight

              3.97 Pounds

              Volume

              1 Gallon

              Ingredients

              2,4-D acid

              Highlight Features

              2,4-D acid

              odorless and non-volatile formula

              Verdict

              The Hi-Yield 21416 is safe for applying to established grass to kill and prevent goat head weeds as it’s a selective herbicide that targets unwanted weeds, not grasses.

              How To Choose The Best Weed Killer For Goat Heads?

              Which To Choose: Selective vs. Non-Selective?

              When it comes to weed killers, there are two common types: selective and non-selective.

              Selective herbicides target certain weeds while leaving desirable plants unharmed.

              Non-selective herbicides will kill all vegetation they contact.

              In general, selective herbicides are best for gardens and lawns, while non-selective herbicides are best for areas with no desirable vegetation, such as bare spots or gravel driveways.

              Active Ingredient

              Different weed killers contain different active ingredients.

              Some of the most common active ingredients for controlling goat heads are glyphosate, 2,4-D, and oryzalin.

              2,4-D is a widely used herbicide specifically designed to control broadleaf weeds and has been used as a pesticide since the 1940s.

              Glyphosate is a non-selective weed killer that targets many different types of weeds, including goat head weeds. It is best to use glyphosate when the weed population is small and actively growing.

              Oryzalin is a selective pre-emergent herbicide that will prevent seeds from germinating and also kill existing weeds. This is best used when the weed population is large and you want to prevent new plants from sprouting.

              Both glyphosate and oryzalin are effective at controlling goat head weeds, however they should be used in combination with other weed management strategies such as mechanical removal, mulching, and hand-weeding.

              Application Method

              Most weed killers come in either a liquid or granular form.

              Liquid solutions are typically sprayed on the weed, while granules are sprinkled on top of the weed. Both options are effective for controlling goat heads, but each has its own benefits and drawbacks.

              Other Factors To Consider

              Weather Conditions

              Goatheads are most susceptible to weed killers when temperatures are warm and the weeds are actively growing. It’s best to apply weed killers on a sunny day when temperatures are above 65 degrees Fahrenheit.

              Follow Label Instructions

              Always read and follow the label instructions on any herbicide you use. This will ensure your safety and will provide the best possible results.

              Which Brands Make The Best Weed Killer For Goat Heads?

              Southern Ag

              What’s great about Southern Ag Insecticides Inc. is it provides a wide range of weed killer products, from selective herbicides to fulfill specific needs to broad spectrum herbicides that kill many stubborn weeds.

              Its top-of-the-line glyphosate weed killers make them trusted experts in controlling weeds and undesired plants.

              Compare-N-Save

              Weed killer products from Compare-N-Save are specially formulated to target specific types of weeds and grasses, and deliver high effectiveness.

              Plus, its products are safe for humans and pets after drying and are designed to remain effective for a long period.

              Spectracide

              Spectracide is a reliable brand for weed killer products due to its highly effective formula. Its products can kill many types of weeds and unwanted grasses, and can even provide extended control.

              This combination of effectiveness and versatility make Spectracide one of the most renowned brands for weed killer products.

              FAQs

              Will 2,4-D kill goat heads?

              Yes, 2,4-D is an effective herbicide that can be used to kill goat heads and other broadleaf weeds without harming grass.

              Will vinegar kill goat heads?

              Yes, vinegar can be used to kill goat heads.

              With at least 5% acidity, vinegar can be used as a spray to wilt the weed's foliage, but it may not be effective against the taproot.

              Can I spray weed killer around goat heads?

              Yes, you can spray weed killer around goat heads. For best results, spray when the goat heads are 4-6 inches tall and after spring rains have occurred.

              Does weed killer kill goat heads to the root?

              Yes, weed killers like glyphosate or oryzalin can kill goat head weeds to the root if applied correctly. It is important to use extreme caution when applying these chemicals as they are broad-spectrum sprays and can damage other plants.

              How often should I spray goat heads?

              The best time to spray goat heads is early in the growing season, such as April or May.

              Conclusion

              Goat heads are an annoying and persistent weed that can take over your lawn quickly. But, with the right products and strategies you can get them under control.

              We have provided you with all the pieces of information to determine the best weed killer for goat heads. Hopefully, this comprehensive buying guide was helpful to you.

              With a little effort and dedication, you'll soon find yourself enjoying a weed-free lawn!


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