5 Best Herbicide For Privet (Review of the Shrub Killers)

We don’t know about you but the thought of privet intrusion on our lawn gives us the shiver. They are so invasive that they pose a threat to the other beautiful plants. 

And, the worst aspect is instead of being the background audience, they try to steal the spotlight.

That’s why at times it becomes necessary to remove such shrubs from the lawn. So, you might have thought about using herbicides. But even while doing so you might want the best herbicide for privet removals.

And, why wouldn’t you?

The right one won’t harm your grasses. Instead, they will only target the right culprit and destroy it forever. Hence, to help you out, we have come up with a list of the 5 best ones in the market.

So, you can go over them and pick the one you like. Now, if you’re ready we can get introduced to them one by one-

1. Compare-N-Save 75324 Herbicide

At A Glance

• Item Weight: 9.65 Pounds
• Liquid Volume: 128 Fluid Ounce
• Coverage: 25,000 square feet
• Main Ingredient:  41-percent glyphosate

First and foremost we have the Compare-N-Save 75324 Herbicide. Since this is the number one product there must be some special reason behind it. Well, there are pretty valid reasons. So, check them out-

Now, the main reason to go for this product is because of its ability to become resistant to rain after only two hours! Yes, this herbicide won’t be affected if it comes in contact with rainwater after 2 hours. Besides, it comes at an affordable price.

In fact, you can afford it with ease. It won’t even cause a hole in your pocket. Other than that, this product will start showing results within 2 to 4 days. So, you won’t have to wait for weeks to know whether it worked or not.

But that is not all, this product also has 41-percent glyphosate. Now, this is a useful chemical that is capable of killing the privets from their roots. And we all know how invasive those shrubs can be.

They tend to keep coming back even when they are fully eradicated. Thus it is necessary to ensure that they are fully destroyed and this herbicide is capable of doing so.

However, the downside to all this is that the chemical glyphosate is pretty strong. Thus, it is capable of destroying the healthy grasses along its way. Hence, you need to be careful about what you target.

Nevertheless, a little carefulness will ensure that the privets are gone. Besides these, the coverage is great as well. You will be able to cover 25,000 sq ft with this particular herbicide.

Now, we know that this isn’t a lot when you compare it to the other products but it is quite alright. It depends on you really. If you want something with a bit more coverage then we have other products for you.

As for its usage, you can apply it in your lawn or garden replacement, patios, walkways, or in and around fences. This herbicide can work anywhere and destroy unwanted weeds for you.

2. Dow AgroSciences Herbicide

At A Glance

• Product Dimensions: 3 x 3 x 10 inches
• Item Weight: 2.4 pounds
• Coverage: 5,000 square feet
• Amount: 32 oz

For the runner-up, we have the Dow AgroSciences Herbicide. Now, this is another brand that offers great features and benefits. But is it right for you?

Well there’s only one way to find out-

Now, the most unique thing about this product is that it doesn’t require the mixing of water. You can use it straight out of the container. Yep, it is that easy. Plus, you can store it for later and use it another time.

This herbicide stays healthy for almost a year. That is because it has no freezing formula. This allows the herbicide to flow freely in its own space.

Thus, it is a great product if you want to keep them in stock for future use. In fact, we recommend it for people who don’t like to travel to the store as much. 

Moreover, the color of this herbicide is blue. So, when you pour it on your privet, you will see where they have landed. Thus, you get to know which parts of the lawn you have already treated and what needs some more herbicides.

Hence, you can judge by now that this is a pretty easy herbicide to use. We recommend it for beginners but the gardener pros can use this one too.

Furthermore, this herbicide doesn’t only work on privets, it’ll also work on 20 other woody species. Thus, you can use them for multiple purposes.

And that’s not all. This herbicide can be used for both in-season and off-season brush control. So, you get to put a leash on your lawn whenever it goes out of control.

3. Southern Ag Crossbow Specialty

At A Glance

• Amount: 32 Oz
• Item Weight: 2.3 Pounds
• Liquid Volume: 948 Milliliters
• Coverage: 7,000 sq ft

Thirdly, we have the Southern Ag Crossbow Specialty. By far, you must have noticed a pattern. Each one of them has its own unique take that they bring to the table. So, stick around us to find out what this one has to offer-

Well, this is another herbicide that comes in a bottle of 32 ounces but it covers approximately 7,000 sq ft. Compared to the size, the coverage of this herbicide is a phenomenon. So, if you want a small amount of herbicide but great coverage then this is the one.

You see, thanks to this herbicide you won’t have to carry a huge bottle of herbicide to your house. But that doesn’t mean it won’t cover your lawn. In fact, it will cover your lawn and get rid of all the privets.

And, how will it do so?

Well, this herbicide contains 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, butoxy ethyl ester, Triclopyr. Now, it does contain other chemicals but these are the main ones. And if we had to pinpoint the most important one then it would be triclopyr.

You see, this chemical is capable of removing shrubs from the lawn without actually harming your grass. So, even if you accidentally apply herbicide on your grass, don’t get too afraid!

With that being said, don’t go overboard. Do try to aim the herbicide on the privets only.

Now, for the application, you have to use 4 to 6 fl. oz in 3 gallons of water. And then, store the mixture in a sprayer and spray to thoroughly wet all foliage. That will take out the shrubs from their roots.

Moreover, the Southern Ag Crossbow Specialty herbicide works on both trees and brushes. Thus, it has multiple usages.

4. Remedy Ultra Specialty Herbicide

At A Glance

• Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 4.9 x 12 inches
• Item Weight: 9.6 pounds
• Amount: 1 Gallon
• Coverage: 43,560 square feet

Are you one of those people who doesn’t care about money as long as their lawn gets the best treatment? Well, then we have the Remedy Ultra Specialty Herbicide. This one is one of the premium items that we have on our list but it’s here for the right reasons.

For instance, this herbicide is formulated in such a way that it has very little odor. Thus, your nose won’t be bombarded with an awful smell when you work to remove those pesky privets from your lawn.

Besides, this herbicide works on both the root and the upper part of the shrubs. So, it gets the entire plant from its root. And because of this herbicide, those privets won’t come back to haunt you again.

Moreover, it is safe to use even. They don’t pose a threat to children or pets as much as the others do. But then again we don’t recommend you being careless with it.

At the end of the day, it is a chemical. So, even when you use it, do take safety precautions. Because you never know, you might be allergic to the herbicide.

Furthermore, this herbicide is versatile in nature. Thus, it won’t only kill the privets. It will also work against 35 brush species. Plus, it works on many important broadleaf weeds as well.

 5. Triclopyr 4 EC Herbicide

At A Glance

• Item Volume: 1 gallon
• Item Weight: 10 pounds
• Size: 1 Gallon
• Coverage: 87,120 square feet

At the very end of our list, we have the Triclopyr 4 EC Herbicide. Yes, this one is our last pick but hey, it did beat all the other herbicides in the market. So, do check it out to see if you like something or not-

Your mind might instantly be set on this particular herbicide because of its coverage. It covers 87,120 sq ft. That is about 2 acres. So, if you have a large garden that needs to be taken care of then this is the guy for you.

Now, mind you this one does come in a large bottle. It comes in a 1-gallon bottle. So, the quantity is large. But some of the other products did have the same amount but they couldn’t beat the coverage of this product.

Besides all these, this herbicide is a post-emergent herbicide. So, you will have to apply this herbicide after you see that the privets have grown in your lawn.

However, it is quite selective in nature. That is because it contains a chemical called triclopyr. It is famous for targeting the privets and only destroying them. Hence, your glasses won’t be affected by this herbicide at all.

Other than that, this particular herbicide is capable of working at industrial sites and non-irrigation ditch banks. So, no matter where those shrubs are, you can take care of them without an issue.

Furthermore, this herbicide is versatile in nature. It works to destroy woody plants, annuals, and perennial broadleaf weeds. So, it isn’t only limited to privet killing.

Are All Privets Really Bad?

We know that whenever you think about privets all you see is invading shrubs that want to take over the entire lawn. And we do agree, most of the time they can be like those selfish kids who want to be the king of the playground.

But all of them are not the same. There are some privets out there that are not as invasive as the others. In fact, they are quite well-mannered and know how to stay in their own lane.

Thus, those around your plants get to grow without a fierce competitor. As a matter of fact, you get shrubs that grow pretty flowers. Plus, they make an amazing background plant.

So, no! All of them are not bad news. You simply have to know the difference. And you can notice the difference by watching the growth of the shrubs.

If they pose a quick spread then they are bad news Otherwise, letting them stay won’t affect you.

Which Chemicals Can Kill Privets?

Now, if you do decide to kill the privets then try using herbicides. And make sure your herbicide contains the right chemical needed to kill the annoying shrubs.

You see, the shrubs have an annoying habit of coming back to life even when they are uprooted. So, you have to kill them completely. And for that, you need to have the right chemicals.

As for the chemicals, you need to ensure that the herbicide has either  Glyphosate or Triclopyr. Both of them are the main ingredients needed to kill privets.

Now, what is the difference between them?

Well, for that let’s look at them individually-

Glyphosate

Glyphosate is mainly used to kill broadleaf weeds and grasses. You see, this is a pretty powerful chemical and it is quite efficient in removing privet. It works by destroying the plant’s ability to produce essential proteins for cell division.

And it slowly destroys all parts of the plant. But the only downside to this chemical is that it destroys the green grasses as well.

So, you have to be careful when you use this chemical. It can cause more damage than good.

Triclopyr

Another alternative that you can use is Triclopyr. This chemical is known for killing broadleaf weeds, ivy, wood plants, and trees. Plus, this is a selective herbicide.

That means it only targets the special audience it is designed for. Hence, it won’t harm your grasses. Instead, it will do its job right and kill the privets.

2 Alternative Ways to Destroy Privets

On the other hand, if you don’t want to use herbicides then you can take out the privets in other ways. However, we have to warn you again that the privets are quite intrusive in nature.

So, if you stick to manual techniques they might still come back. However, if you still want to skip using herbicide then go for it. Here are a few ways you can take down the privets-

Alternative Option 1: Cut the Privets

One way of killing the privets is to cut them from the root. For this, you will have to use a chainsaw that is the price in its work. While doing so, be careful. Don’t cut your hand while cutting your valuable grasses.

Now, while cutting the privets, take down the side limbs first. After that remove the main trunk. And go as close to the ground as you can while doing so. However, just so you know this method will not result in permanent damage.

The sprouts will regrow and the privets will be back to haunt you again. So, you have to keep on continuing this process again and again.

Alternative Option 2: Take Out the Sprouts Manually

Another way is to remove the sprouts manually. This process might be a bit tedious but it is more effective than cutting the sprouts. That is because you are removing the entire plant from its root.

So, for this process, you have to locate the privets and then dig into the ground with your hand. Keep going until you reach the roots and then yank it up. Repeat the process until you get all the privets.

How to Apply Herbicide to Kill Privets?

After buying the herbicide you might want to know how to use them too. Well, the process is pretty straightforward. But we will still go over it with you so that you know what to do.

Now, if you’re ready we can get started-

Step 1: Take Precautions

First things first, you have to take the necessary precautions to protect yourself from herbicides. For this, you need to wear gloves and goggles.

All of these will ensure that you don’t get harmful chemicals on your skin. You see, they can be quite deadly at times.

Step 2: Mix the Herbicide with Water

After you’re done taking precautions you have to get the herbicide ready. For that, you need to mix the herbicide with water. Of course the proportion matters for this.

But this also depends on the herbicide that you’re using. So, the best course of action is to mix the herbicide after reading the instruction manual.

Step 3: Transfer the Mixture to a Spray Bottle

Next up, you need to put the herbicide into a spray bottle. Now, you need a spray bottle because that makes the whole thing much easier to use.

You get to target the right plants. And you won’t harm your precious grass. Who wants to destroy the wrong plants, right?

Step 4: Apply the Herbicide

Lastly, apply the herbicide on the privets. Now, this step is quite easy. All you have to do is spray the herbicide on the privets. And don’t get disheartened if you don’t see any immediate reaction.

Herbicides take their time to kill weeds. It won’t show any groundbreaking results at that very moment. So, wait a couple of days and see whether it worked or not.

Safety Tips for Handling Herbicides

Since you will be working with herbicides you need to be careful about certain things. For instance-

• Wash your skin if it comes in contact with herbicides
• Keep it out of children’s reach
• Avoid applying herbicides on useful plants
• Don’t leave the bottle of herbicide open

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Are Privets toxic?

Answer: Yes, privets have toxic leaves. They can be harmful to dogs and humans. But their berries are more dangerous. Prevent yourself or your pets from eating them.

Question: What causes privet hedges to die naturally?

Answer: One of the most common ways privet die naturally is because of  Honey Fungus (Armillaria) fungus. It is a deadly fungus that destroys the plant from its root.

Question: When is the best time to remove privets?

Answer: The perfect time to remove privets, by using herbicide, is during late autumn or winter. During those times the temperature is mild and not too high.

Question: Can I apply herbicides during windy days?

Answer: Although you can apply herbicide during windy days it is wise not to do so. That is because the wind may blow the chemical into your eyes which can cause an allergic reaction.

In Short

No matter what you conclude to be the best herbicide for privet make sure you are absolutely sure. Some of the herbicides can harm your grasses. So, if you don’t pick the right one you might end up with a disaster.

Anyway, we have discussed the matter at length. Now, we feel that you know enough to decide this on your own. So, we will leave you to it. Best of luck!