Thinking of using a proven weed killer such as GroundClear for your lawn, but have pets such as a cat or dog around? Before going out and buying one you might be wondering, ‘is groundclear safe for pets?’
Let’s check out how safe GroundClear is, other pet-friendly methods of clearing weeds, and the length of time you should observe before letting out your pet in the yard.
Is GroundClear Safe for Pets?
GroundClear is a brand name for a lawn treatment product that kills weeds and unwanted grass on your lawn. The ready-spray solution quickly eliminates oxalis, dandelion, crabgrass, and more.
From the caution label alone, it’s clear that GroundClear is not safe for pets or humans. You should avoid making direct contact with the solution on your skin or eyes, and it’s recommended that you wear protective eyewear and clothing before handling or spraying the weed killer.
For treating lawns and paving the way for your plants, GroundClear is effective as long as you follow the manufacturer’s instructions. You can use it along fence lines, driveways, patios, landscape areas, and where weeds could be found. It’s recommended that you spray when the air is calm and directly on the ground so the fast-acting weed killer does its job.
Pet-Safe Weed Killing Methods You Can Try
Manual Pulling and Digging
The safest method of getting rid of weeds and unwanted grasses on your lawn is by doing it the old-fashioned way. Pulling weeds by hand requires nothing but time and effort on your part, but it’s organic, completely natural, and won’t hurt your turf or garden in the slightest.
You’ll need to invest in a pair of gloves since you’ll be pulling out weeds, and possibly a small shovel or trowel so you can dig up the roots to eradicate weeds and the spreading grass. Afterward, your dog or cat can go out and play in the yard without worries.
Boiling Water
Boiling water can quickly kill weeds and plants not just on the surface, but below the ground too. It’s safe for pets (once the ground cools) and kills the entire weed and its roots.
It’s recommended that you pour an adequate amount of boiling water to cover the whole grass area or plant. Allow the ground to soak in the hot water, then reapply the treatment the next day. Check the site and the weed or grass will have died. Use a small shovel to dig up the plant matter and dispose of it properly to prevent it from spreading.
Cover and Choke
Lastly, you can starve the weed or plant of essential light and nutrients by covering it with a thick layer of black plastic or flattened cardboard boxes.
It’s a weed-killing method that takes some time, but this doesn’t involve the use of chemicals that could harm your pets. After a week or two, the plants underneath will have died from the lack of sunlight. Simply dig up the area where the weed is and dispose of the materials, including the roots.
How Long After Spraying GroundClear Is It Safe for Pets?
GroundClear recommends that the application area should be fully dry first before allowing pets outside the yard. The length of time it takes for the weed killer spray to dry will depend on several factors, including how much you applied, the weather, and the coverage area.
Even after the ground has dried you should wait five to ten more minutes before letting your pets out, just to be completely safe. It’s worth noting that you shouldn’t use GroundClear if you have a pet that likes to eat grass or plants.