Few things are more frustrating than spotting recurring weeds on a lawn. In a bid to get rid of them for good, you may consider extreme measures beyond the typical weed removal methods.
One of the most controversial and frankly terrifying is diesel.
But does it work, and is it worth considering? Some people swear that diesel is the best at killing weeds and preventing regrowth.
Dan Gordon on Quora says,
“Farmers and ranchers have been using diesel as a weed killer for fences, ditches, and around buildings for many, many years.”
Moreen on Google Groups comments, “Diesel is an excellent weed killer. Try mixing it with 50/50 used motor oil from your car, and it will kill any pesky weeds and keep them dead.”
There is no denying that the hydrocarbons in diesel or gasoline are strong enough to burn the weeds and keep the area weed-free for a long time but its use may also lead to other serious issues.
Why Using Diesel To Kill Weeds is Not A Good Idea
There is no specific law that prohibits the use of diesel for weed control, but pollution caused by its application can get you in trouble.
If your property is near a water body, the rain may carry the diesel residue into the local waterways, harming both flora and fauna.
Even small concentrations in small streams or rivers can diminish oxygen levels on the shores and affect food chains, impacting various species of animals and plants for a long time.
If such an incident occurs, the local authorities may trace the pollution to your yard, and you could end up paying hefty fines.
Are you considering using diesel on your lawn? Think again.
A herbicide like MSM Turf and other organic methods can give you equally good results without harming the wider environment.
Lead Editor for Insight Weeds.