Weeds present a frustrating, persistent problem in the garden and throughout the rest of your yard - sometimes even finding their way into the patio, the driveway, and areas you’d never expect them.
There are so many ways you can address this issue, from DIY weed killing recipes to professional herbicides, and even fire. That’s right, you can use a torch to kill weeds!
But which is better - a weed burner vs weed killer? Each has its unique pros and cons. Weed burners offer the advantage of immediate results and avoid chemical use, but they carry a risk of damaging non-target plants and require careful handling to prevent fire hazards.
On the other hand, weed killers can effectively manage a broad spectrum of weeds over larger areas and provide longer-lasting control, yet they may introduce chemicals into the environment.
Ultimately, weed killers provide a more controlled and sustainable solution for extensive weed problems. While a weed burner can be used for quick, localised treatment, you need an effective herbicide on hand.
We’ll compare and contrast weed killer vs weed burner more in-depth below and show you why in the end, the only solution you need for a beautiful, hassle-free and weed-free garden is Weedex, available right here at Jennychem.
A weed burner, sometimes referred to as a flame weeder, is a tool that uses intense heat to exterminate unwanted vegetation. It causes the plant cells to burst and as a result, the weed will die from thermal shock.
Unlike chemical methods, a weed burner provides immediate results and can be especially satisfying to use as you see weeds wilt and die right before your eyes.
This method is particularly effective for spot treatments in areas where weeds are isolated or where you don’t want to use chemicals, such as in vegetable gardens, on driveways, or along fence lines.
This makes it a popular choice for those seeking an eco-friendly gardening approach. It can also be a faster alternative to manual weeding, saving time and physical effort. And let’s face it - playing with fire is fun.
That being said, weed burners do require very careful handling to avoid damage to desirable plants and property, accidental fires, and of course, burns to yourself.
It’s also important to note that many find it ineffective at preventing weeds from resprouting. If you use it while weeds have already flowered, they may drop seeds that are still viable and you’ll end up in the same situation a few months later.
Still, weed burning is a popular approach to managing unwanted growth. Let’s introduce the other half of the weed killer vs weed burner conversation to see if it’s right for you.
Also known as herbicides, a weed killer is the most popular approach to removing weeds aside from actually pulling them out by hand. It’s a chemical intervention that can be used both for prevention and elimination. Here are the most common types:
The appeal of chemical herbicides is simple - they work exceptionally well. There is no better way to efficiently manage large areas infested with weeds with minimal physical effort.
These are also a longer-lasting solution that prevents weeds from coming back in certain cases, saving you from repeating the process multiple times throughout the growing season.
In the case of selective herbicides, you can also target the problem with more precision without having to stress about potentially harming your garden or grass.
Just like weed burners, though, there are some drawbacks to weed killers. The most notable is chemical exposure. These may pose risks to human/pet health and the environment itself if not used properly. Some herbicides leave harmful residues that could affect the soil quality and subsequent plant growth.
It’s also been found that overuse can lead to chemical resistance in some types of weeds. You may find after a few seasons that the weed killer you once relied on is no longer effective.
Don’t worry - we’ll show you how to kill weeds in a manner that offsets all these risks and leaves you with a beautiful yard you can enjoy year-round. That being said, should you go with a weed burner vs weed killer?
You may already be starting to lean towards a weed burner if you are completely against the use of chemicals in the garden. Or, you might be realising that a weed killer makes more sense given its ability to target specific plants without harming others.
We’ll leave you with a clear understanding of which is right for you below by looking at versatility and efficacy across different types of weeds along with considerations for application, safety, the environment, cost, and more.
Weed burner is most effective on young, annual weeds that are easy to access and where precision is less important. Given that it can’t attack the root system, it struggles with perennial weeds with deep roots.
On the other hand, weed killer offers broader versatility. Selective herbicides target specific weed types without harming other plants, while systemic herbicides can tackle deep-rooted perennials by killing the plant from the root up.
In terms of actually addressing the weed problem and eliminating unwanted plants, weed killer has an edge most of the time.
Think about where you intend to use the solution, as a weed burner is best suited for smaller, controlled areas. You need to be able to safely manage the flame to avoid damaging desired plants or property. In this sense, it’s great for spot treatments.
Meanwhile, weed killers are a bit more adaptable to different settings, from large agricultural fields to precise applications in residential gardens or walkways.
This is because there are so many different types of herbicides to choose from. You can easily find one that aligns with your unique circumstances.
There are risks to consider whether you use a weed burner vs weed killer. The obvious concern with a weed burner is the open flame.
This poses a fire hazard in dry conditions or near flammable materials, so it’s not advised for areas experiencing a drought. You’ll also need to use extreme caution in any setting to avoid burning yourself.
However, weed killer is not without its concerns either. Chemical herbicides carry risks of toxicity and require protective gear during application to prevent inhalation or skin contact. There’s also the risk of chemical runoff affecting non-targeted areas.
That being said, both of these solutions can be relatively safe if you do your due diligence into choosing a product and using it properly.
While you want your solution to be aggressive against weeds, you need it to be gentle on the environment itself.
This is where the weed burner has an edge in that you aren’t introducing any chemicals into the atmosphere. Assuming you don’t accidentally start a housefire or wildfire, you are not leaving any impact on the environment.
Weed killers tend to be looked down on from an environmental standpoint, and fairly so - some can have a lasting adverse effect on the land it's used on, changing the soil microbiota. These can also negatively impact beneficial insects and water sources.
But the truth is, most herbicides are entirely safe for the environment when used as directed. Later on, we’ll share one you can rely on to remedy your weed problem without worrying about your environmental footprint.
While you should never make your decision based solely on cost alone, weed killers are the more affordable solution upfront. You can get an effective herbicide for as little as £33.00. This single purchase may last you multiple seasons depending on the extent of your problem.
In contrast, a high-quality weed burner can be very expensive upfront given you need to purchase a torch along with the propane or other fuel source for the flame. These start at more than £50 on the low end, with longer wands and premium options soaring as high as £250+.
That being said, a weed burner is a long-term investment that delivers results for seasons to come. Our advise is to focus less on cost and more on value.
Finally, you should think about which you’d rather use when choosing between a weed burner vs weed killer.
The weed burner requires some physical effort and careful handling to avoid damaging surrounding plants. It can be very labor-intensive in larger areas.
Applying weed killer isn’t necessarily backbreaking work, but it does require some effort on your end. Investing in a high-quality garden sprayer can make it a whole lot easier while helping you get better results, too.
There are even pre-mixed formulations that come directly in spray bottles - it doesn’t get any easier than that. Just shake it up and get to work!
Just like snow foam vs car shampoo or antifreeze vs coolant, choosing between weed killer vs weed burner is as simple as considering what you are looking to accomplish.
Those seeking an eco-friendly approach for dealing with minor weed issues can rely on a weed burner to get the job done. However, a weed killer is far more effective and convenient for comprehensive, long-term weed management, especially in diverse gardens or larger areas.
The trick is to find a solution that addresses the specific variety you’re fighting against and meets your standards from a health and safety standpoint. So, what is the strongest weed killer you can get your hands on to put this frustrating, unsightly problem in the past?
Look no further than our strong weed killer here at Jennychem - Weedex. This effective herbicide is trusted by more than 10,000 gardeners across the UK and backed by thousands of five-star reviews.
The high-strength formula is ultra-concentrated to offer great value. It’s effective against a wide array of the most persistent, hardy weed varieties, ranging from Japanese knotweed to oxtails, horsetail, ivy, nettles, and more.
You can effortlessly eradicate weeds by pairing Weedex with one of our highly popular IK sprayers. It’s best used between March and October on slightly damp ground. Use it neat for larger, more established weeds or dilute it with water for a more economical approach.
You won’t have to wait long as far as how long for weed killer to work, either. Expect a weed-free property in no time! The sooner you place your order and put Weedex to work, the sooner you’ll enjoy your yard to its full potential. Shop today!
Hopefully, this comparison of weed killer vs weed burners has left you with a clear understanding of where each has an edge and ultimately, which is right for your specific problem.
Weed burners provide a quick, chemical-free solution ideal for small areas, whereas weed killers offer a more extensive, approach suitable for varied and larger areas.
If we had to recommend just one, it would be weed killer - but if you’re struggling with an infestation that doesn’t seem to respond to any of your efforts, try both and see which proves more effective!
You can learn about other solutions in our blog too, such as killing weeds with salt. You’ll also find other resources on home and auto care like how much Adblue to add, how to melt ice on concrete, where does antifreeze go, which engine coolant for my car, and much more.
But now that you know the key differences between a weed burner vs weed killer, there’s only one thing left to do - shop today and say goodbye to those pesky weeds once and for all! Get Weedex at Jennychem and take the first step towards a pristine, weed-free outdoor space.
