How to Kill the Weeds but Not the Plants or Shrubs

The U.S. Department of Agriculture found that acetic acid, or vinegar, at high concentrations successfully kills weeds in all stages of growth. Some weeds are more susceptible than others; for example, the USDA found that while perennial weeds were killed, the roots survived on some species, requiring a second application. While corn was not harmed in the USDA tests, it's not known how other types of plants would be affected. Because of this, direct topical applications are the best way to use vinegar to eradicate weeds without harming nearby plants and shrubs.

Things You'll Need

• Vinegar with 10, 15 or 20 percent acetic acid concentration
• Spray bottle
• Cardboard tube
• Work gloves

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Put on gloves and fill the spray bottle with vinegar. Place the cardboard tube over the nozzle.

   • 2

     Spray weeds when the wind isn't active. Coat the leaves of the weeds uniformly. Using the cardboard tube on a calm day helps keep the vinegar away from desirable plants and shrubs.

   • 3

     Remove dead foliage after a few days. Spray persistent weeds again.