Ortho Weedclear vs Weed B Gon

The main difference between Ortho Weedclear and Ortho Weed B Gon is that Ortho Weedclear controls crabgrass, while Ortho Weed B Gon does not.

This means that Ortho WeedClear is more effective at controlling crabgrass and other tough weeds, while Ortho Weed B Gon is more effective at controlling broadleaf weeds like dandelions and clover.

Weed B Gon vs Weedclear

This table of comparison will allow you to understand the differences quickly.

WeedClear Weed B Gon
Active Ingredients 2,4-D, Quinclorac, Dicamba Active Ingredients 2,4-D, Dicamba
It can Control 200+ weeds like dandelions, clover, poison ivy It can Control 250+ weeds like clover, dandelion, creeping charlie
Approved Grass Types Bermuda, Buffalo, Fescue, Bluegrass, Ryegrass, Zoysia Approved Grass Types Bluegrass, Ryegrass, Fescue, Bermuda, Centipede, Zoysia, Buffalo, Bahia
2.5 oz per gallon to cover 400 sq ft 2 oz per gallon to cover 500 sq ft
Rainproof Time 1 hour Rainproof Time 1 hour
Pet Safe once spray has dried Pet Safe once spray has dried
Apply Young weeds in spring/fall Apply at 45-90°F, actively growing weeds
Frequency of use 2 apps/year max, 30 days apart Frequency of use 2 apps/year max, 30 days apart

Action Mechanism

The action mechanism is the same for both Ortho WeedClear and Ortho Weed B Gon weed killers. The active ingredients in the formulas enter the weeds through their leaves and move systemically through the plants, killing them all the way down to the roots. This provides effective and lasting weed control versus just burning down the tops of the weeds.

Active Ingredients

Ortho WeedClear contains three active ingredients – 2,4-D, dimethylamine salt (6.423%), Quinclorac (2.13%), and Dicamba, dimethylamine salt (0.60%).

Ortho Weed B Gon contains a blend of 2,4-D, dimethylamine salt (8.66%), Dicamba (0.37%), and MCPP-P, DMA salt (2.13%). Both contain 2,4-D and Dicamba herbicides but in slightly different concentrations, along with an additional active ingredient specific to each formulation.

Visible Results

Visible results can be seen within hours of application for both Ortho weed killers according to the product labels. However, it may take 2-4 weeks for the herbicides to fully translocate throughout the entire weed to completely kill it down to the root. So while the tops of weeds might show effects quickly, allow a few weeks to see the full results of the root kill.

Weed Types

Ortho WeedClear claims to kill over 200 common weed types, including dandelions, clover, ivy, chickweed and dollarweed.

Ortho Weed B Gon states it controls over 250 weeds, such as clover, dandelion, plantain, ground ivy, violet, thistles, yellow oxalis, pennywort and wild garlic. The products are both designed to control a wide range of broadleaf lawn weeds.

Grass Types

WeedClear can be used on Bermudagrass, Buffalograss, Fescues, Kentucky Bluegrass, Ryegrass, and Zoysiagrass without injury.

Weed B Gon is approved for use on Northern grasses like Kentucky bluegrass, Ryegrass and Fescues, as well as Southern grasses including Bermuda, Zoysia, Centipedegrass and Bahiagrass.

Coverage

The mixing rate for WeedClear is 2.5 fluid ounces of concentrate per 1 gallon of water to cover 400 sq ft of lawn. For Weed B Gon, the mixing rate is 2 fluid ounces per 1 gallon of water to cover 500 sq ft of lawn area.

So WeedClear requires a slightly higher application concentration but covers a smaller area than Weed B Gon with the same water volume.

Rainproof Time

The rainproof time for both Ortho weed control products is 1 hour. This means the lawn should not be irrigated or experience rain for at least 1 hour following treatment for the active ingredients to absorb and start working effectively. After 1 hour, rain or watering the lawn will not wash away the herbicides.

Pet Safe

Ortho WeedClear and Ortho Weed B Gon are considered pet-safe once the treatment has dried on the lawn. The labels recommend keeping people and pets off the treated areas until the lawn is completely dry after spraying. Once dry, it is safe for children and pets to play on the lawn without harm from the herbicide application.

When To Use

For best results, both Ortho concentrates should be applied when weeds are young and actively growing. WeedClear should be applied in spring or fall when air temperatures are between 45-90°F.

Weed B Gon also performs best when applied while weeds are small and temps are between 45-90°F during the growing season.

Application Instructions

The application method is the same for WeedClear and Weed B Gon – use a tank sprayer, hose-end sprayer, or dial sprayer to spray the mixed herbicide solution evenly over the infested areas of the lawn.

Follow the product mixing, rates, and label instructions carefully for proper application. Ensure even coverage without excessive runoff or drift to nearby plants.

Frequency of Application

The maximum number of broadcast applications per year is limited to two for both Ortho weed killers, with a minimum interval of 30 days between treatments.

Spot treatments can be made as weeds germinate but also should not exceed two applications per year. This prevents over-applying the products and potential turfgrass injury.

Our Observation
Overall, Ortho WeedClear and Ortho Weed B Gon are very similar weed control concentrates that deliver effective results. WeedClear contains an extra-active ingredient, Quinclorac, for added weed-fighting power.

It also mixes at a slightly higher concentration than Weed B Gon. However, Weed B Gon is labeled for more grass types, especially Southern grasses like Bermuda and Zoysia.

Given its broader label compatibility, we recommend Ortho Weed B Gon as the best option for most lawns needing broadleaf weed control. Its dual-action formula targets over 250 weeds while being safe for more turfgrass varieties when applied as directed.

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