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Weeds

Are weed killers safe?

Weed killers are not safe to use, and should never be considered in an organic garden. Here's some reasons why they can damage wildlife and the environment.
Bumblebee on echinacea.
Toxic weed killers attack plants and organisms beyond the ones you are trying to kill.

Weeds may compete with crops for nutrients, light, and water, but not all weeds are bad. Some attract pollinators and others can improve the soil. And most can be composted, which will add nutrients to your soil. 

There are a number of ways to manage them organically without reaching for toxic chemicals, which are harmful to plants, people and animals. 

What are weed killers?

Weed killers - also known as herbicides - are toxic substances used to eliminate unwanted plants. They are seen as a quick-fix for unwanted weeds that reduces manual weeding. They work by interfering with the plant's natural processes, such as photosynthesis and nutrient uptake, ultimately leading to death.

There are four main types of weed killer, which include:

  • Selective: used to target specific species of weed.
  • Non-selective: often used on drives or patios. It will kill any plant it comes into contact with. Examples include: glyphosate used in products such as Roundup and Weedol.
  • Contact: these are meant to only damage parts of a plant.
  • Residual: these stay active in the soil for prolonged periods, preventing germination of new weeds.

Why weed killers are bad for your garden

  1. Weed killers such as glyphosate can kill all plants, not just weeds. Even selective weed killers can damage other plants, particularly if applied in windy conditions. This is called 'spray drift'.
  2. These toxic chemical cocktails don't just kill plants. Weed killers can leach into soils and destroy beneficial microorganisms, disrupt structure and reduce fertility. Some can remain in the soil for long periods.
  3. Run off from weed killers can also contaminate rivers, harming aquatic life.
  4. Herbicides can adversely impact humans. Glyphosate has been shown to affects the body’s endocrine system – causing problems in the liver and kidneys. Industry testers dispute this but have declined to reveal all the results of their safety tests.
  5. Glyphosate is usually mixed in chemical formulations to make it more effective. These formulations, such as Roundup or Weedol Path Clear, are potentially far more dangerous. None of these formulations has been independently tested for safety. Government regulatory bodies only test individual components, and the industry never reveals their exact make-up. Find out more about the dangers of this herbicide on the Pesticide Action Network website.
  6. The manufacture of weed killers can have a significant carbon footprint.