Best chemical for bare ground control?

[ddthomas2]

First, I am in the lawncare business, and while I have studied sufficiently to pass the applicators exam in Louisiana, I do not wish to assume the liability associated with application at this time.

That said, a client asked for a recommendation on chemicals that they could legally purchase and apply to eliminate weeds from a gravel parking area. I told them that I had no experience in this area, but I would ask the professionals. Any suggestions? Yes, I know that calling a professional applicator is the best option. Told them so. I would still like to answer the direct question.

Your help is appreciated.

[Rtom45]

There are quite a few chemicals available to those who have a license which will do the job. Many of these same chemicals are available to home owners in a diluted form from such places as Lowes, Home Depot, Agway,.... A very common chemical is Round Up or one of its variations. You can also kill existing weeds simply by spraying them with vinegar. Keep in mind, that if you do purchase any chemical, you are legally bound to follow label directions.

[ddthomas2]

I should have been more specific. He is looking for something that would have a residual sterilization of the soil as opposed to Round-up which would only kill plants contacted and actively growing at the time of application.

[Grassmechanic]

Pramitol.........

[GreenQuest Lawn]

Sahara........

[firedude26]

Saharah.......................Works great for me

[Rtom45]

I may be wrong, but I don't think you can buy Sahara in a home owner formulation. Keep in mind, the owner wants to do this work himself.

[Coffeecraver]

Ortho
GroundClear Vegetation Killer kills weeds and grasses and prevents new growth for up to one year. Use on driveways, patios, walks and fence rows. Can be applied with a tank sprayer. Formerly known as Triox.

[Drew Gemma]

Any person can buy chemicals. Home owner or professional but their is a catch you can buy but you can not apply technically. I have a license in Ohio for aquatics, industrial vegetation, plus general use I believe is the category for commercial not sure. Now I also have one for agricultural use for my 70 acer farm. so he can buy and use what ever he wants just follow the label and you will be fine. Epa only goes after commercial users anyways. Cause they want your money. Round-up with 1 oz. of surflan per gallon in a hand sprayer will control growth for roughly 8 months. Or go to local hardware store and buy that grass and weed killer that prevents growth for 3 months. Can't think of the name. But watch it moves through the soil rapidly which it shouldn't since it is for all to use. Something with a P maybe paramitol.

[Rtom45]

Drew Gemma
I don't know about Ohio, but in PA. you are not allowed to purchase, and the dealer is not allowed to sell, restricted chemicals without certification. Round Up, for example is sold in stores to home owners in a diluted form. The same is true of many other chemicals.

[PR Fect]

In Wisconsin, anyone can purchase. But you need to be licensed to apply to other than you own property that you own. You always have to follow label directions. Home owner or pro. In gravel we use Gordons Vegemec.

[CCLAWN]

Same in illinois. I was very surprised to find out the other day from a supplier that anyone in IL can purchace almost all herbicides without a license. The kicker is to apply they must be legally licensed. The only restriction is on insecticides where the license # must be recorded. I did notice a few years ago at lesco in bridgeton a homeowner came in and bought fert with dimension for an acre. NO questions asked. Most people do not know this thank god. All the weekend warriors would be bombarding my suppliers. However there are still plenty of do it for me's out there to keep our business strong.

[NC Scaper]

Mattering on where you go around here they will ask to see ya license

[goforgreen2]

Sahara is much more stable than Pramitol as far as bleed off, but one of the main AI's is Amasipir (check spelling) which is highly toxic to oaks, so keep in mind.

[qps]

Have used Sahara spiked with round-up will great results....just be careful where you spray it.....sahara is a good name for it...:)

[tremor]

So far as memory serves, Sahara is not restricted use in any of the NE states. So a homeowner can purchase & apply it himself if he can find it.

[bushtrimmer]

Have used Sahara spiked with round-up will great results....just be careful where you spray it.....sahara is a good name for it...:)

This is what we use with great success.It can even be spiked with scythe for a real quick burn off.
With Sahara, make sure there aren't any trees nearby that might have a root system under the gravel surface cause it will kill them as well.

[Greenie]

Round Up and Simazine usually lasts a season for me.

[FoxDen]

Pramitol mixed with diesel fuel! (Wear a mask)!!!