While chemical weed killers can be very effective when it comes to controlling weeds, they can lead to dangerous side effects due to the chemicals that they contain. It is very important, therefore, to know both the pros and the cons of using a chemical weed killer so that you can make an informed decision when looking for a way to control weeds.
In addition, knowing the disadvantages of using a chemical weed killer will help you know how to avoid potential risks when using the killer. That said, here are the pros and cons of using a chemical weed killer:
Herbicides Are Effective At Killing Weeds
Chemical weed killers can help you ensure that the desired plants grow as they should be getting rid of unwanted plants. However, to ensure that herbicides work properly, you have to ensure that the weed killer you use matches your needs. You need to choose between a selective and non-selective herbicide with selective herbicides killing a specific type of plant or weed.
A non-selective weed killer, on the other hand, kills any type of plant they come across. You should also choose between a pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicide. A pre-emergent herbicide controls weeds before they grow while a post-emergent one controls weeds that have already grown.
Last but not least you should choose between a systematic herbicide and contact chemicals with contact chemicals killing the weeds once they come into contact with the leaves of the weeds while systematic herbicides travel through weeds to kill them from the inside. The fact that herbicides can effectively kill weeds have them increasingly popular when it comes to controlling weeds.
Chemical Weed Killers Are Easy To Use
Another thing that has made chemical weed killers more and more popular is the fact that they are easy to use compared to physical weed removal. Removing weeds physically entails strenuous pulling or digging and can be strenuous to your legs and your back.
On the other hand, a herbicide is easier to use as all you have to do is to spray it on the weeds and you don’t have to do pulling and digging of weeds. Once you spray a chemical weed killer on unwanted plants, you just have to wait for it to do its work.
Disadvantages of Chemical Weed Killers
It Is Difficult To Control the Spread of Weed Killers
The fact that weed killers have to be sprayed on weeds makes it hard to control the spread of the herbicides. You can aim for weeds but the herbicide may splatter onto other plants that you want to keep. This is especially the case during windy days. For instance, the herbicides can land on your landscape plants or garden.
Dry conditions and high temperatures can cause the herbicides to turn into a gas and once herbicides turn into gas, they can travel to other areas. This can cause damage to shrubs and trees in your yard especially if the herbicide is a nonselective one.
Can Cause Damage to the Environment
Weed killers contain chemicals that can be harmful to the environment. This is because of the fact that they can spread to other areas and end up hurting plants or animals. They can also be washed away into nearby waterways and enter the water supply or the human food chain.
Can Cause Hazards To Human Health
Weed killers can cause hazards to those who come into contact with them. Swallowing or inhaling herbicides can be harmful to human health and can lead to illness or death. Therefore, it is important to be careful when using chemical weed killers to avoid health hazards.