5 Best Weed Killers for Driveway Cracks in 2026

Want quick, reliable weed control for driveway cracks? Spectracide concentrate kills to the root and works fast.

Earths Ally OMRI spray is natural and friendly around kids and pets.

Choose based on speed, root control, lasting barrier, and runoff risk, and follow label timing and buffer instructions for best results.

Our Top Driveway Weed Killer Picks

Spectracide Weed & Grass Killer Concentrate (32 oz) Spectracide Weed and Grass Killer Concentrate, 32 Ounces, With Accumeasure Fast-Acting ConcentrateForm: Concentrate (dilute before use)Target use area: Driveways, walkways and other outdoor hardscape areasKills to the root: Kills weeds and grasses, including rootsVIEW LATEST PRICERead Our Analysis
Earth’s Ally Natural OMRI Weed & Grass Killer Earth's Ally Grass and Weed Killer Spray - Natural OMRI Eco-Friendly ChoiceForm: Ready-to-use spray (pre-mixed)Target use area: Patios, driveways, sidewalks, high foot-traffic hardscape areasKills to the root: Kills weeds to the roots (non-selective)VIEW LATEST PRICERead Our Analysis
Just For Pets Weed Killer Spray (128 oz Gallon) NO Glyphosate Just For Pets Weed Killer Spray (128 oz Gallon) NO Pet-Safe OptionForm: Ready-to-use spray (pre-mixed)Target use area: Driveways, sidewalks and similar outdoor cracks (pet-focused use)Kills to the root: Eliminates weeds fast; targets roots (no glyphosate)VIEW LATEST PRICERead Our Analysis
Ortho GroundClear Year-Long Vegetation Killer Concentrate Ortho GroundClear Year Long Vegetation Killer2 Concentrate, Kills and Prevents Long-Term ControlForm: Concentrate (dilute before use)Target use area: Driveways, sidewalks, walkways, paver patios, hardscapesKills to the root: Kills weeds, grasses and existing vegetation to rootVIEW LATEST PRICERead Our Analysis
Ortho GroundClear Year-Long Vegetation Killer Refill (1 gal) Ortho GroundClear Year Long Vegetation Killer Refill, Kills and Prevents Refill for LongevityForm: Refill concentrate (dilute/attach to wand)Target use area: Driveways, sidewalks, paver patios, gravel and other hardscape areasKills to the root: Kills weeds and grasses to the rootVIEW LATEST PRICERead Our Analysis

More Details on Our Top Picks

  1. Spectracide Weed & Grass Killer Concentrate (32 oz)

    Spectracide Weed and Grass Killer Concentrate, 32 Ounces, With Accumeasure

    Fast-Acting Concentrate

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    Whenever you want a simple, reliable solution for weeds growing in driveway cracks, Spectracide Weed and Grass Killer Concentrate is made for homeowners who want fast results without a lot of fuss. You mix the 32 ounce concentrate with water, using the AccuMeasure cap that twists, squeezes, and pours to cut measuring mess. You spray with a tank sprayer, coating leaves until they glisten, and you’ll often see results in as little as three hours. It kills roots, so regrowth is less likely. In case rain comes after 15 minutes you’re still covered, and you can replant that same weekend.

    • Form:Concentrate (dilute before use)
    • Target use area:Driveways, walkways and other outdoor hardscape areas
    • Kills to the root:Kills weeds and grasses, including roots
    • Rainfast / Rainproof time:Rainfast in 15 minutes
    • Pet/people/pollinator safety attributes:Standard chemical concentrate (no specific pet/pollinator claims in summary)
    • Application method:Mix and apply with tank sprayer; AccuMeasure cap for measuring
    • Additional Feature:AccuMeasure spill-free cap
    • Additional Feature:Concentrate for sprayers
    • Additional Feature:Replant same weekend
  2. Earth’s Ally Natural OMRI Weed & Grass Killer

    Earth's Ally Grass and Weed Killer Spray - Natural OMRI

    Eco-Friendly Choice

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    In case you want a safer, effective way to clear weeds from driveway cracks without harsh chemicals, Earths Ally Natural OMRI Weed and Grass Killer could be the right pick for you. You get a 32 fl oz ready to use spray that feels simple to handle. It uses sea salt and other natural ingredients, so it is glyphosate free and OMRI listed. Spray 4 to 5 times per weed on a dry sunny day and you should see wilting in about three hours. It kills roots, works on broadleaf and grassy weeds, and is bee, pet and kid safe.

    • Form:Ready-to-use spray (pre-mixed)
    • Target use area:Patios, driveways, sidewalks, high foot-traffic hardscape areas
    • Kills to the root:Kills weeds to the roots (non-selective)
    • Rainfast / Rainproof time:Best results on dry, sunny day; visible in 3 hours (implied weather-dependent)
    • Pet/people/pollinator safety attributes:Bee-safe; pet-, kid- and people-safe when used as directed; OMRI listed
    • Application method:Spray directly (ready-to-use handheld spray)
    • Additional Feature:OMRI listed (organic)
    • Additional Feature:Sea-salt natural formula
    • Additional Feature:Bee-safe tested
  3. Just For Pets Weed Killer Spray (128 oz Gallon) NO Glyphosate

    Just For Pets Weed Killer Spray (128 oz Gallon) NO

    Pet-Safe Option

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    You’ll like Just For Pets Weed Killer Spray provided you’ve got pets and want a simpler, gentler way to clear weeds from driveway cracks. You’ll spray directly with the ready to use gallon and see weeds wilt fast without mixing or fuss. You’ll appreciate the no glyphosate, natural formula that was designed with animal safety in mind. You’ll follow label directions for safe, effective use and store it as instructed. You’ll feel good being aware part of your purchase helps animal shelters. You’ll handle the spray applicator carefully and take basic precautions around children and curious pets.

    • Form:Ready-to-use spray (pre-mixed)
    • Target use area:Driveways, sidewalks and similar outdoor cracks (pet-focused use)
    • Kills to the root:Eliminates weeds fast; targets roots (no glyphosate)
    • Rainfast / Rainproof time:Follow label (fast-acting; weather-dependent visibility)
    • Pet/people/pollinator safety attributes:Formulated for pet safety; no glyphosate
    • Application method:Ready-to-use spray applicator (direct spray)
    • Additional Feature:Pet-focused formulation
    • Additional Feature:Shelter donation program
    • Additional Feature:Gallon ready-to-use
  4. Ortho GroundClear Year-Long Vegetation Killer Concentrate

    Ortho GroundClear Year Long Vegetation Killer2 Concentrate, Kills and Prevents

    Long-Term Control

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    Should you want a low-effort fix that keeps driveway cracks clear for months, Ortho GroundClear Year-Long Vegetation Killer Concentrate is a strong choice because it kills existing weeds and stops regrowth for up to a year. You’ll mix 24 fl. oz. of concentrate per gallon of water and spray with a tank sprayer. It works fast and becomes rainproof in an hour, so timing is simple. Use it on driveways, sidewalks, paver patios, gravel and fence lines where you don’t want plants. A two-gallon container treats up to 3,200 sq. ft., so you’ll cover large areas without repeated trips to the store.

    • Form:Concentrate (dilute before use)
    • Target use area:Driveways, sidewalks, walkways, paver patios, hardscapes
    • Kills to the root:Kills weeds, grasses and existing vegetation to root
    • Rainfast / Rainproof time:Rainproof in 1 hour
    • Pet/people/pollinator safety attributes:Standard chemical concentrate (no specific pet/pollinator claims in summary)
    • Application method:Mix (24 fl. oz. per gallon) and apply with tank sprayer
    • Additional Feature:Prevents regrowth 12 months
    • Additional Feature:Treats up to 3,200 sq.ft.
    • Additional Feature:Mix 24 fl. oz./gal
  5. Ortho GroundClear Year-Long Vegetation Killer Refill (1 gal)

    Ortho GroundClear Year Long Vegetation Killer Refill, Kills and Prevents

    Refill for Longevity

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    Provided you want a no-fuss way to stop weeds from coming back for up to a year, Ortho GroundClear Year-Long Vegetation Killer Refill is made for homeowners who need long-term control on driveways, sidewalks, and gravel areas. You’ll appreciate that it kills weeds, grasses, and all vegetation to the root, and it prevents regrowth for up to 12 months. It acts fast and is rainproof in one hour, so you can plan around weather. Attach the original wand and holster to the refill, apply on sunny days above 60°F, and treat hardscapes, gravel, and cleared dirt confidently.

    • Form:Refill concentrate (dilute/attach to wand)
    • Target use area:Driveways, sidewalks, paver patios, gravel and other hardscape areas
    • Kills to the root:Kills weeds and grasses to the root
    • Rainfast / Rainproof time:Rainproof in 1 hour
    • Pet/people/pollinator safety attributes:Standard concentrate refill (no specific pet/pollinator claims in summary)
    • Application method:Attach original wand/holster to refill or mix and apply with compatible sprayer
    • Additional Feature:Refill for wand system
    • Additional Feature:Best above 60°F sunny
    • Additional Feature:Designed for hardscapes only

Factors to Consider When Choosing Weed Killers for Driveway

Whenever you pick a weed killer for driveway cracks, consider about how well it kills roots and how fast it works because you want weeds gone for good and quickly. Also check for residue and runoff and whether the product is safe around your pets, so you can protect your family and the nearby plants. Finally, choose something that’s easy to apply and fits your routine so you’ll actually use it and keep the cracks clear.

Effectiveness On Roots

Pick a systemic herbicide should you want weeds gone to the roots, not just the tops. You’ll want systemic products because they move from leaves into root systems, which is crucial for killing perennials and stopping regrowth. Don’t rely on contact herbicides whenever roots matter, since they only scorch foliage and often need repeats. Apply once plants are actively growing on warm sunny days so the chemical travels downward. Spray thoroughly until leaves are wet to guarantee uptake and movement to roots. For deep rooted species expect to use higher rates or repeat treatments weeks apart to drain root energy. These steps work together: timing and coverage let systemic action reach roots, and repeat treatments finish what one spray can’t.

Speed Of Action

Speed matters more than you could envision while you’re picking a weed killer for driveway cracks, because a faster product can save time and stop weeds from spreading seeds. You’ll want to see wilting or browning within 3 to 24 hours so you can move on with cleanup or replanting. Weather affects speed, so pick a sunny, warm window whenever leaf uptake is faster. Understand the trade offs: contact killers work quickly on foliage but might need repeat use to stop regrowth, while systemic formulas could brown leaves fast but take days to kill roots. Check rainfast claims too, since products that set in minutes hold up better after brief showers. Faster action reduces seed set, which keeps your driveway cleaner.

Residue And Runoff

Residue and runoff matter a lot whenever you’re treating driveway cracks, so it helps to ponder about how the product behaves after you spray. You’ll want to know whether the herbicide is systemic or contact-only because systemics move into roots and usually leave less surface residue, while contact products can leave visible dead bits. Also check water solubility and rainfast times since soluble formulas can wash off provided rain comes too soon. Ruminate about persistence too because some actives stay in soil or gravel and can affect nearby plants and soil life. Application method matters: concentrates for tanks raise runoff risk provided overmixed, while ready-to-use sprayers cut excess. Avoid spraying before heavy rain, on steep drives, or near storm drains to limit runoff.

Safety For Pets

Provided you’re choosing a weed killer for your driveway, consider initially how it will affect the pets you love. Pick products labeled pet-safe or with low acute toxicity and follow reentry times on the label. Keep pets off treated surfaces until the product is fully dry or until the label’s specified waiting period, which can range from 15 minutes to several hours. Rinse paws with water whenever pets cross recently treated areas and stop them from licking paws, fur, or nearby grass where residue can transfer. Store concentrates and sprays out of reach and dispose of empty containers per instructions to avoid accidental ingestion. Whenever possible, choose non systemic, contact based or naturally derived ingredients to reduce long term residue in soil.

Application Convenience

Whenever you pick a weed killer for driveway cracks, ponder about how easy it will be to use and how confident you’ll feel applying it. You can choose ready-to-use sprays for instant action or concentrates that save money should you treat large areas. Match the package to your applicator so you get even coverage with pump, hose-end, or trigger sprayers. Also reflect about liquid thickness and nozzle type since thick formulas or coarse nozzles can clog, while fine nozzles improve coverage. Check rainfast time and re-entry rules so you know how long the product must sit before water or foot traffic. Look for measuring caps, pour spouts, or pre-measured doses to cut spills and speed application, making the job less stressful.

Long-Term Persistence

While you desire a driveway that stays clear for months, consider how long a herbicide actually keeps working and what that means for nearby plants and weather, because persistence isn’t just a marketing line — it affects safety and results. You want a product that prevents regrowth for weeks or up to 12 months, and that often means soil-active chemistry forming a barrier to new seeds and young roots. That barrier helps driveways stay clean whenever you apply it correctly, but it can also harm nearby plants through runoff, drift, or root uptake. Weather and soil change how long it lasts, with heavy rain and active microbes shortening control. Pick a labeled residual length that matches your goals and use buffers and correct rates to limit off-target effects.

Gardening Editorial Team
Gardening Editorial Team

Founded to help gardeners grow healthy, thriving plants, our team of experienced horticulturists and gardening experts carefully researches and produces content grounded in practical knowledge and proven techniques.