Bare Ground Herbicides

Bare ground herbicides, also known as soil sterilants, are chemical products that deliver a total kill of vegetation in the area where they have been applied and can last for long periods of time.

Bare ground herbicides can last in the soil and keep killing for up to 10 years or more. They are meant to be used in areas where no plant life is wanted, such as industrial sites, right-of-ways, and parking lots. One of the big benefits of these types of materials is the cost savings realized from the reduced frequency of applications needed over time.

Known as a "kill-all" herbicide, bare ground herbicides are great for clearing up unwanted vegetation, eliminating plants that could cause damage, obstruct views, present safety issues, or be an obstacle for working crews.

Bare-ground herbicides are very easy to use. All you need to do is mix a selected bare-ground herbicide in an appropriate sprayer and then apply it to the area where you wish to eliminate plants and weeds.

Here, you can shop our top recommended bare-ground herbicides. Should you need help selecting or applying the product, we offer expert advice over the phone or via email with our trained representatives, who can guide you through each step of the application process. Contact us via email or call for assistance with your order.

Our Recommendations

• Bromacil 40/40 - Bromacil 40/40 is a bare-ground herbicide that eliminates stubborn annual and perennial weeds that creep up in industrial and non-crop areas. It can provide year-long control.
• Eraser 41% Glyphosate - is a non-selective post-emergent herbicide designed to eliminate grasses, broadleaf weeds, and other unwanted vegetation in non-crop areas, in driveways, around buildings, and other areas.

These bare-ground herbicides kill weeds and grasses and prevent new growth for up to one year or longer. Use a handheld tank sprayer on driveways, patios, walks, and fence rows. For larger application sites, we recommend using a professional spray rig. We also recommend Vision Max Indicator Dye to keep track of where you have sprayed product.

Since many weed seeds can lay dormant deep in the soil for several years, bare-ground soil sterilant herbicides should always be applied with enough water to provide 8 to 12 inches of soil penetration. If tall and actively growing vegetation exists, a greater volume of liquid will be needed to achieve this deep soil penetration objective.

Tools Needed

• PPE (Chemical resistant gloves, dust mist mask, safety glasses or goggles)
• Selected Bareground Herbicide 
• Vision Pro Max Spray indicator.
• Tank Sprayer

Step 1: Use Post-Emergent Herbicide To kill current Vegetation

The first step to bare ground control is killing all current vegetation. You will want to use a systemic post-emergent herbicide that will kill the current vegetation down to the root.

The most common bare-ground herbicide for leafy vegetation is glyphosate, and we have had 100% success with Eraser 41% Glyphosate.

To use Eraser 41% Glyphosate as a spot treatment, mix 2 1/2 oz. of product per gallon of water to treat 300 sq. ft. 

If you are dealing with larger woody vegetation such as bushes or trees, you would want to utilize an ester like Triclopyr 4, which is 60% triclopyr and will eliminate anything with a bark.

To use Triclopyr 4 Herbicide as a spot treatment, apply 3/8 to 3/4 fl. oz. of product per 1,000 sq. ft. 

To use Bromacil 40/40 in sites such as under asphalt and concrete pavement, apply 17 to 30 pounds per acre.

Calculate the square footage or acreage of the area to be treated to determine how much product you will need. Measure and multiply the area length times the width (length x width = square footage). To get acreage, divide the calculated square footage by 43,560.

Once the product is diluted in a sprayer and well-mixed, apply it to the desired vegetation, spraying to wet but not to the point of runoff, preferably on a fan spray setting for uniform coverage. Depending on the weed type, you should see signs of death within 2 to 4 days.

Step 2: Apply Bare-Ground Herbicide to the area.

Once the vegetation in the area has died, you can apply a bare-ground herbicide to keep the weeds from returning. These products inhibit seed germination and ensure that nothing grows where they are applied for 1 year.

We always recommend using an indicator dye when applying bare-ground herbicides so you know exactly where you spray and do not apply to areas where you do not want the chemical.

Things To Consider

Choosing the right bare-ground herbicide depends on a few factors:

• The application site (guard rails, industrial area, parking lot, etc.)
• Weeds are to be controlled (Are they annual, biennial, or perennial?)
• How long do you wish to have control? (Months, 1 or more years?)
• Cost
• Limitations (State, county, city issues)

Before applying bare-ground herbicides, consider issues like the environment. Consider what is nearby (private properties, bodies of water, agricultural areas, etc.). You don’t want to cause trouble or contaminate any areas via application runoff.

The label is the law! Follow the label carefully for the right application rates, safety measures, and more.

Key Takeaways

• Bare Ground herbicides are a cost-effective way to deal with unwanted vegetation on industrial sites and offer a broad spectrum of weed control.
• Our top-recommended bare-ground herbicides are Bromacil 40/40 or Eraser 41% Glyphosate.
• Monitor the treated area to ensure the weed population is succumbing to the product and is not showing resistance. If resistance occurs, re-application may be necessary, or a different bare-ground herbicide product may be tried.