Does a Weed Wacker Kill Weeds? (This Trick Kills Weeds Fast)

Weeds are a difficult thing to control and there are an overwhelming number of options to choose from when it comes to weed control. The easiest option might seem to be a weed wacker, but how well does it work compared to other options and does a weed wacker kill weeds? 

A weed wacker does not technically kill weeds right away, but most weeds will not tolerate being cut regularly. Weed wackers also prevent more weeds from growing if they cut the weeds before they begin to produce seeds. 

There are other options to kill weeds in your yard that make some jobs easier. However, weed eating is still the best option in some cases. In this article, you will find information for what weed killing option is best and easiest for maintaining your yard. Let’s get started!

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Weed Wackers

Weed wackers are a quick way to cut down your weeds. However, there are some disadvantages to them. In this section, we will go over the advantages and disadvantages to weed wackers and how to use them. 

Is it Better to Weed Whack or Pull Weeds?

It is better to pull weeds rather than cut them with a weed eater. Pulling the weeds removes the roots and everything, which completely kills the weeds. However, it is faster to use a weed eater if you need to weed large sections.

A job that takes a weed eater 30 minutes can take half a day if you are pulling weeds by hand. Also, if you are pulling weeds by hand, the weeds you pull will die, but the seeds left behind will take root, and more weeds will grow in the same place. 

How Do You Use a Weed Eater for Weeds?

Before turning on the weed eater, pull out the nylon cord 6 inches if it isn’t already. Then either press the on switch for a battery or electric weed eater, or crank a gas-powered one.  Then hold down the kill switch while using your other hand to hold the handle. 

Weed eat one inch from the ground, at least. If you weed eat too close to the ground, the cord will hit the dirt and rocks which will beat up the cord making it less powerful. Also, watch for rocks and pick up rocks, sticks, or other debris before eating weed.

Rocks and other sharp or heavy items can fly and hit you if it is hit by a weed eater. 

What are Weed Wackers Used For?

Weed wackers or weed eaters are used to cut weeds back. They do not kill the weeds, but they can slow them from reproducing. Weed wackers are best around the edges of gardens, sidewalks, and driveways. 

You can weed eat in garden beds or on the lawn, but it’s usually best to pull weeds from a garden bed and mow the weeds down on a lawn. This all depends on the area in question, though. You do not want to weed eat too close to garden plants or flowers though. 

Should You Weed Eat Before Spraying Weeds?

You should not weed eat directly before or after spraying the weeds. Cutting the weeds before will make it more difficult for the herbicide spray to get to the roots. And cutting the weeds after spraying will spread the herbicide across the yard. 

It is better to only spray the weeds and then after they are dead, you can rake them up and dispose of them. Keep in mind, that these dead plants will not be suitable for composting because the herbicide is still on the weeds. 

You might also enjoy our post on What Kills Weeds Permanently So They Never Come Back

Do Weed Whackers Spread Weeds?

Weed eaters can spread weeds during the months the weeds are growing seeds. However, if you start weed eating before the weeds grow enough to produce seeds and keep cutting them down, then weed eating stops the spread of weeds.

Pulling weeds and disposing of the weed and the seeds is better, especially when the seeds have already started production. Pulling the weeds also kills them, whereas a weed eater only cuts them back. 

Weed Whackers and Weed Killers

Weed wackers work well in some cases, and weed killers work well in other cases. In this section, we will cover when it’s best to use a weed wacker or weed killer and when you can use both, and when you should not use both. 

Should You Use a Weed Whacker Before Pulling Weeds?

It is easier to pull weeds without a weed wacker because the plant gives you something to pull on. If you cut the weeds down first, it will be difficult to grip the short plants. However, if the plant is tall and thorny, it will be easier to cut it back.

If you are dealing with extremely high or thick weeds like vines, or bushes, it will be better to cut them back with yard clippers, or a chainsaw. If you are dealing with a large area of thick weeds and undergrowth, you might need a tracker. 

To keep the weeds down yearly in a field, you can till the ground and plant a garden or add grass. 

Should I Weed Whack Before Using Roundup?

Roundup or other weed killer lands on the leaves and flowers of the weeds so that the herbicide soaks into the roots, but if the leaves are cut down first, it’s difficult for the herbicide to get to the roots.

It’s also harmful to cut the weeds down with a weed eater after using Roundup because it spreads the herbicide to the rest of the yard. That’s not good for the one weed-eating, or for the grass and plants near where the herbicide was sprayed. 

Should I Apply Weed Killer Before or After Whacking?

You should apply weed killer before weed wacking and you should not weed whack the weeds until the weed killer has been absorbed into the weeds. Weed killer will soak into the weeds or evaporate after three days. 

When you are using weed killer, use safety measures to prevent exposure. If Roundup or other killers are used properly, they are safe. However, if the weed killer gets on you or on food that is accidentally consumed, call poison control right away at 800-222-1222.

Should You Weed Whack Before Spraying Weed Killer?

You should not weed whack before spraying with weed killer because it works best when the weeds have leaves on them. The weed killer soaks up through the leaves of the weeds to get to the roots.

You should also wait three days after using weed killer to weed eat or mow the area. If you cut where you put down weed killer too early, the herbicide will spread to other areas of your yard, or it may blow into your face or onto your skin and cause damage to your health!

Should I Cut Weeds Before Spraying?

Herbicide spray works best with uncut weeds so that it can stick to the weeds’ leaves. Cutting the weeds first removes most or all the weeds’ leaves and provides little surface area for the herbicide to fall on in order to soak up into the roots. 

After you spray the herbicide, keep your children and pets from the area until it is dry. If the herbicide is ingested, it can cause burning of the mouth and throat, excessive saliva production, diarrhea, and vomiting. If a large amount is ingested, it is fatal. 

Call poison control if you see anyone ingesting herbicide. 

How Soon Can I Cut Weeds After Using Weed Killer?

You can cut weeds three days after using weed killer. Weed killer takes around two days to soak into the roots and for parts of it to evaporate. You should also keep children and pets from spraying areas until they become dry.

It’s also not best to cut the weeds before using weed killer because it works best when the weeds have leaves. The herbicide soaks into the leaves to get to the roots.

If it is sprayed on to cut weeds, most of it will fall on the ground, and most of the spray will not soak down to the roots. 

Weed Killers

There’s more than one way to kill some weeds. In this section, we will discuss the best ways to kill weeds or to cut them back to maintain the appearance of your yard. Let’s keep reading!

How Do I Edge My Lawn With a Weed Wacker?

To make clean edges of your lawn with a weed wacker, turn the weed wacker to where the spinning wire will be at a 90-degree angle. Keep it one inch from the ground and an inch from hard edge surfaces like concrete sidewalks. 

You can also edge your lawn by spraying weed killer or herbicide. This works well on fences and sidewalks. However, you should not weed eat before spraying weed killer or directly afterward. You should wait three days after spraying before weed-eating the area again. 

What Kills Weeds Permanently?

Pulling weeds or using weed killers will permanently kill the weeds because they kill the whole plant. A weed eater will cut the plants down and possibly slow weed production, but it will not kill the weed because the roots are still in the ground. 

To keep other weeds from growing in the place of your pulled or cut weeds, pick up the parts with seeds and dispose of them rather than leave them in the yard. If you remove the seeds, then they cannot take root and grow.

When is the Best Time to Weed Whack?

You should start weed wacking as soon as the weeds grow over one inch high. This will keep them from producing seeds, allowing more weeds to grow. However, if you are using a weed killer, cutting the weeds in the same area is not necessary. 

If you cut the weeds down and then use weed killer, then the herbicide will not be effective in killing the weeds and they will grow back. Only weed-eating the weeds will not kill the weeds either, but it will slow their production. 

When to Weed Whack to Kill the Most Weeds?

If you want to stop the most weeds with your weed wacker, you need to cut them down before they start making seeds. This will not kill the weeds you have, but it will cut them back and prevent them from producing seeds as quickly. 

If you don’t cut them until after they start producing seeds, the weed wacker can spread them out, allowing them to take root and grow more weeds. If the plant has begun seed production it is best to either pull the weeds or use weed killer. 

Should I Use a Weed Killer?

Weed killer helps kill weeds. It is best to use it around concrete edges and fencing where it is the most difficult to weed eat around. Pulling weeds is also a good option, but it is very time-consuming.

You should refrain from using weed killer around areas where you are trying to grow other plants, or where your children play, or where your pets go. When using weed killer, ensure not to let pets or children near the area when the product is still wet on the leaves. 

How Can I Make My Weed Killer More Effective?

You can make weed killers more effective by using the best weed killer at the right time. There are weed killers specifically for preemergence or weeds that are just beginning to germinate.  There are also postemergence herbicides for weeds that have already grown.

Just like you can buy weed killer for preemergence and postemergence, you can buy weed killer to target specific weeds while not targeting other plants. For example, some herbicides work best on weeds with large leaves but not on blades of grass.  

Related Questions

Is it Okay to Cut Grass with a Weed Wacker?

You can cut grass with a weed wacker, especially if it is a small area, but it will take much longer and the grass may not be as even. Lawn mowers are better at creating clean lines and a more polished lawn look. 

Weed eaters are best used in small grass areas and lawn edges. It works great in areas a lawn mower is too large to get too. For example, a weed eater can easily cut grass within a grove of trees or in a flower bed. 

Should I Pull Weeds Before Mowing?

It is not necessary to pull weeds in your yard before mowing, but it can help slow the production of weeds if you pull the weeds along with the seeds so that they cannot germinate. A lawn mower will spread the seeds. 

However, if you start cutting the grass and weeds early, most weeds will not tolerate it. Plus, if you cut them early and often the weeds will not have a chance to produce seeds and therefore, more weeds cannot grow. 

Is Pulling Weeds a Waste of Time?

Sometimes, pulling weeds is the best solution and the least time-consuming because it completely kills the weeds. However, if you are talking about a large area, or down a lengthy driveway or fence, a weed eater or weed killer is best. 

If you have a garden, or flower beds then it is best to pull weeds around these plants because the weed eater or weed killer may accidentally remove the plants you are trying to grow. 

However, if you are just removing weeds from the driveway and do not want anything growing there, a weed killer is best. 

Final Thoughts

We hope you now know what your best options are for your weed control. There are a lot of good options out there to make your weed eating easy other than using a weed eater. 

However, if you are dealing with a large yard and a lot of overgrowth the weed wacker is still your best option.