Among the vegetation killers available on the market today, Ortho GroundClear is one of the best for killing and preventing weeds from growing. When applied to unwanted plants on your lawn or garden, the concentrate will curtail their regrowth for up to one year. As this review will show, one advantage of using the product is it will give you visible results within six hours of application.
Ortho GroundClear works well because it has an active ingredient called glyphosate at 2.7%. It is a herbicide that controls grasses and broadleaf weeds. When applied to unwanted plants, it will inhibit their enzymes, eventually killing them. The best part about the weed killer is that it can eliminate weeds without harming your crops.
But how good is Ortho GroundClear? Here is a more detailed review of the product, including ingredients, safety precautions, and comparison with other similar products.
Pros
- A 2-gallon bottle can treat five times more area or an equivalent of 3,200 square feet.
- It kills weeds and grasses to the root.
- It is useful in different areas, including sidewalks, driveways, patios, gravel areas, and fence lines.
- Results are visible within six hours of application.
Once applied, Ortho GroundClear will kill and prevent unwanted plants from growing for up to a year.
Cons
- It does not work well when applied on wet ground.
- It does not eliminate all types of weeds. You will get mixed results sometimes.
- You can’t grow food crops a couple of months after application. Its effects remain on the ground for up to a year.
How Ortho GroundClear Works
After application, Ortho GroundClear adds to the soil a chemical that inhibits EPSP synthase (5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase), which is an enzyme that is responsible for producing protein essential for plant growth.
Without EPSP, a plant will turn yellow and die. Ortho GroundClear will show results six hours of application and prevent their growth for up to a year.
Does Ortho GroundClear contain glyphosate?
Yes. Ortho GroundClear contains glyphosate at a concentration of 2.7%. It is the active ingredient that kills the EPSP synthase enzyme.
Once applied, weeds will absorb the chemical through foliage and roots, then transport it to growing points. In the plant, the glyphosate will inhibit the synthesis of aromatic amino acids, which are essential in plant growth.
Will it kill bushes?
Ortho GroundClear is a non-selective herbicide meaning that it will kill any plant that comes into contact with it, including bushes.
But you will need to apply it several times in areas that have bermudagrass, Canada thistle, dandelions, and nimblewill.
Ingredients
Apart from glyphosate, other ingredients include:
47% Imazapyr
Imazapyr is a non-selective herbicide that controls an array of weeds, including perennial and terrestrial annual grasses, broadleaf herbs, and woody species. Unwanted plants absorb the chemical through the leaves and roots.
Ammonium nonanoate
Ammonium nonanoate is a broad-spectrum contact herbicide. It works by suppressing and controlling weeds and other unwanted plants.
Isopropylamine
It contains isopropylamine salts are building blocks for the preparation of its herbicide.
Which is better: Ortho GroundClear or Roundup?
The debate on Ortho GroundClear vs. Roundup has been going on for many years. But which among the two is better for eliminating weeds around your compound?
Both products work the same way because they have glyphosate as the active ingredient. Also, you can buy them in either ready-to-use or concentrated formulations.
However, Ortho GroundClear is better than Roundup for several reasons. First, it kills all types of plants non-selectively while Roundup does not work well on all types of weeds despite having glyphosate. Check the instructions to identify specific weeds before you can purchase.
Additionally, Ortho GroundClear outshines Roundup because it has imazapyr as another active ingredient. The compound works well with glyphosate to eliminate plants at their roots. However, the downside is it is not the best for treating areas near a tree since the tree will absorb the chemical via roots and prevent its regrowth.
Ortho GroundClear precautions
You can use Ortho GroundClear around driveways, sidewalks, fence lines, and patios, among other areas invaded by weeds. However, you need to exercise the following precautions:
- Wear protective eyewear when spraying the chemical to avoid temporary eye injury.
- Wash your hands thoroughly after handling using soap and running water.
- Avoid getting the herbicide on your clothes. If contaminated after using the product, remove your clothes, and wash them before reuse.
- If you bought the herbicide in a non-refillable container, do not reuse or refill it. Instead, throw it in the trash for recycling.
- Whenever you are applying the product, do not place it down any indoor or outdoor drain.
Also, read the label that comes on the packaging to understand the mixing instructions and the proper use of the product.
Is Ortho GroundClear safe for pets?
OrthoGroundClear can cause adverse effects on pets. After spraying it around the compound, do not allow your pets to enter the treated area, touch, or eat plants that are wet with the chemical. It can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite in pets.
Cost
The cost of the product varies depending on the quantity you want to purchase. A 2-gallon bottle costs just above $80 at the time of writing this. You can also buy the herbicide in a 1.33-gallon bottle or 32 fl oz sprayer.
Verdict
So, how good is Ortho GroundClear? Based on our review, the Ortho GroundClear gets a score of 4.4 out of 5.0. It passes well in terms of ease of use, longevity, value for money, and effectiveness in eliminating weeds. However, it does not get a higher score when it comes to information about the quantities to use in a specific area.
Ortho GroundClear is best for eliminating an array of weeds from your lawn or compound. It offers visible results within six hours and gets rid of unwanted plants for up to a year. But when using it, follow the instructions on the label and exercise caution around kids and pets.
IW’s Chief Editor and a lover of green spaces.