The truth about weed killers: are they really safe?

24 August 2023 – 8 Minute Read

weed killer bottle being sprayed in garden

Want to remove weeds from your garden but not sure how to go about it? Some people recommend weed killers, but are they safe to use? And are there better alternatives?

If you have a garden, it’s very likely you’ve encountered weeds in it, at some point. You’ll see them in beds, borders, and on lawns. They are generally quite resilient, hard to remove, and, at times, can be quite bothersome.

You can pull weeds by hand, yet many prefer to reach for the bottle of weed killer. We know certain types of weed killers are effective at weed control, but should you use them?

If you feel you do need to use weed killers, which varieties are the right choice? Are there any downsides to using these herbicides? And, if so, which alternatives are your best bet?

We've spoken to Philip Clayton to help you understand weed killers, and the alternate weed control methods you might want to consider.

Philip is a plantsman, gardener, author and freelance garden writer with a plant-filled garden in Peterborough.

A member of the RHS Herbaceous Plant Group, he spent 20 years at The Garden (the RHS magazine), latterly as Deputy Editor.

Prior to this, he worked as a landscaper, a role which followed practical training at RHS Garden Wisley, in Surrey. He also has a BSc Hons in Horticulture from Wye College in Kent.

His books include A Plant For Every Day Of The Year (2022), Grow: Roses (2024) and Parched (2024). He also currently works as gardener at The Manor Hemingford Grey, near Huntingdon.

With his many years as an industry expert, Philip certainly knows the best approaches for weed control. Let's get into it!