Does Diesel Kill Weed? Is It Legal?

When it comes to weed control, many people turn to DIY methods, with one popular option being the use of diesel fuel as a weed killer.

But, does diesel kill weeds for real?

Well, in this article, we will delve into the efficacy and potential risks of using diesel fuel for weed control.

The problem is that diesel will kill your weeds, but it will also kill anything else it comes in contact with, including plants, flowers, grass, and other crops.

Diesel is a toxin that is harmful to plants, animals and, of course, humans, so it should be used with caution.

In fact this fuel has been praised by some as an effective solution, it is essential to understand the science behind its weed-killing properties and consider the environmental and health concerns associated with its use.

One of the issues with using diesel as a weed treatment is that it doesn’t get rid of them permanently. What it does do is kill off the roots, stems and leaves.

At the same time, though, the seeds often survive. The diesel will wash away when it rains, and the seeds will germinate again. so, apart from finding does diesel kill weed, I will also explore if it is legal.

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Does Diesel Kill Weed? Is it Legal?

Using diesel as a means to kill weeds works. You’re essentially burning them out with a toxic liquid. It will kill pretty much every part of the weeds except the seeds, so it’s more so a maintenance or temporary solution.

Consequently, everything around the diesel soaked area is also going to die.

Have you ever wondered why you can purchase over the counter weed killers from the hardware store, but they never offer diesel to do the same job? It’s because it’s illegal to use it for that purpose.

The reason being is that when it takes out pretty much everything it touches, it also removes specific living things that are important for the environment, including insects and soil microbes which are crucial for the sustainability of healthy plants.

For example, if bees suffer at the hands of diesel, nothing survives! Bees are one of the most important insects to mankind! Furthermore, remnants of diesel can wash out of the applied area and seep into water sources. As a result, this can contaminate drinking water and poison wildlife. Given these points, it’s good that diesel shouldn’t be used to kill weeds.

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How to kill weeds with diesel fuel?

Given that diesel is not recommended as a weed killer due to its toxic nature, there are limited options for some people. For example, you may live out in the middle of nowhere and don’t have access to hardware stores, and you may be in the heavy machinery industry and have an ample diesel supply.

Low funds could also be an issue, and loading up on diesel could be cheaper at specific times than other treatments. Disregarding not endorsed rules, let’s look at how you would go about using diesel as a weed killer option.

How Long Does It Take?

The process from start to finish usually takes around 48 hours. After the first few hours, you should notice that the leaves of the weeds will start to wilt and dry out. The stem and root system takes almost 48 hours to take down as they are a lot more dense and sturdy.

The diesel often won’t take out everything that you have applied it to in one go. If this is the case, try to administer an extra dose to remove any remaining stubborn weeds. 

Is it a permanent solution?

As mentioned earlier, using diesel to eradicate weeds is not a permanent solution, and it will remove everything visible but won’t always kill the seeds. As a result, the seeds can germinate and sprout new weeds. It is possible to use the diesel and then another over the counter solution once the diesel takes effect. In that case, the seeds may be able to be eliminated.

Things you will need:

• Fuel safe canister to store diesel in.
• Protective gear (gloves, mask, safety glasses/goggles, long sleeve jumper, long pants).
• Plastic spray bottle with straight spraying nozzle.
• Funnel.
• Trowel.
• Sand (For Cleaning up any spills).

Step by Step Process

1. Purchase 1-2 gallons of diesel depending on the area and weed characteristics. Use a safe fuel canister for the storage of diesel.
2. Put on all protective clothing.
3. Fill the plastic spray bottle up with diesel using the funnel. Do so in a well-ventilated area away from anything that can be poisoned. Don’t forget to fasten the nozzle.
4. Set the nozzle up so it sprays a fine mist instead of gushing out like a jet stream. 
5. Carefully aim the nozzle at the roots of the weeds and spray enough to leave them moist at the base. You don’t need to spray the stem or leaves, as once the roots die, so does the rest of the weed.
6. Once the desired area is complete, pour the remaining diesel back into the safe fuel canister using the funnel. Store the container in a cool dark area away from anyone or anything that shouldn’t be around it. Make sure it’s clearly labeled for the next time it gets used.
7. Give them 48 hours to have full effect. Using the trowel, carefully dig out any remaining roots and dispose of them correctly.
8. If you find that there are still some weeds remaining, rinse and repeat until you are satisfied with the process.
9. Sprinkle some sand over any accidental diesel spills if necessary. This will help to soak it up.

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Effectiveness of Diesel Fuel in Killing Weeds

Several scientific studies have shown that diesel fuel can be effective in killing certain types of weeds. This is particularly true for broadleaf weeds, such as dandelions and thistles, which are more susceptible to diesel fuel treatment.

However, it is worth mentioning that grassy weeds, including common lawn grasses, may not be as easily eliminated by diesel fuel.

It is also important to consider the process and timing of application.

Applying diesel fuel during sunny and dry weather conditions tends to yield better results as the fuel can evaporate quickly, leaving behind a residue that can suffocate the weeds effectively. However, caution must be exercised to avoid overspray that can harm desirable plants.

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Potential Risks and Concerns

While diesel fuel can be effective in weed control, it is crucial to be aware of the potential risks and concerns associated with its use. One major concern is the environmental impact.

Diesel fuel contains hydrocarbons and PAHs that can seep into the ground and contaminate soil and water sources. These pollutants can harm beneficial organisms, disrupt ecosystems, and contribute to water pollution.

Furthermore, the use of diesel fuel as a weed killer poses health risks. Inhalation or contact with diesel fuel can lead to respiratory problems, skin irritation, and other adverse health effects.

It is especially crucial to exercise caution when using diesel fuel in areas with children, pets, or sensitive individuals.

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What are Safety Precautions to be Followed?

Given that diesel is a toxin, it requires careful application. Some safety precautions should be followed to not be harmed during usage.

These precautions will minimize risk to the user and any other living being, including animals and/or plant matter. Here are some safety tips that can help reduce any unwanted danger.  

Take Care of Your Pets

There are a lot of scents that float around that tend to trigger a bit of interest for us humans. It’s usually the nicer smelling things that aren’t so safe to inhale. This is the same for animals, including house pets such as cats and dogs.

They are naturally curious about new smells and will want to get up close to get a real guage of what it may be. With this in mind, having your pets inside whilst you spray a great way to keep them safe. If you can’t do that, try creating some kind of physical barrier around the treated area so they can’t get too close.

Furthermore, it’s good to keep them away from the scent for at least a few hours after spraying. This will give the diesel a chance to soak in and not be as potent as it would have been if it was moist. 

Analyze the Surroundings of Your Yard

Everyone’s yard or the area will be different in makeup. Some things to consider before spraying your weeds are:

• It may be close to a water supply. Spraying too close to those could poison anyone or anything that uses the water supply. 
• It may be an area that could contain other flammable liquids or ignition sources. You could start a fire or explosion, so spray a good distance from these sources. 
• Confined spaces are also another safety hazard that should be considered. Inhalation within confined spaces is very dangerous.
• The weather can also affect your spraying. Aim to spray on the morning of a day where you know the next 48 hours will be dry. This will allow the diesel to soak in properly and not be washed away by any rain. 

Use Protective Gears (PPE)

Protective gear should be non-negotiable. Even if you feel silly, it serves an important purpose. The human skin has been created so that it soaks anything into it and goes directly into the bloodstream. Having a toxin such as diesel getting inside is bound to cause all sorts of problems.

At a bare minimum, a decent pair of thick gloves, a mask, a pair of safety glasses/goggles, a long sleeve jumper and some long pants are ideal. 

Store it in a Safe Place

Diesel storage is another important safety measure that should not be skimped on. Firstly, the diesel should be stored in a clearly labeled, fuel safe container. These can be purchased at any good home depot/improvement store.

The canister should then be stored in a cool, dark area. If the location is too hot and/or sunny, the risk of the explosion will increase. The location should also be well away from any ignition source. If possible, it’s worth considering locking away the canister safely. This will ensure no one else has access to it, including kids or animals.  

Take Care of Its “fire hazard” Factor

Diesel is considered a grade 4 flammable liquid and one that is combustible. It doesn’t explode like gasoline does, but it’s extremely hard to extinguish once lit. Given that it is a fire hazard, having some up to date, good quality fire equipment around is a must when using diesel to spray weeds. You never know if the slightest of sparks from somewhere could set the whole place alight. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

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9 Alternative Ways to Kill Weeds

Aside from using diesel to kill your weeds, a few other options are worth trying. These include: 

Organic Weed Killer

There are quite a few organic variants of weed killer that you can purchase. These types don’t contain any toxic chemicals or any other dangerous ingredients. This is great news for pet owners and those with edible gardens frequently used. Likewise, the environment will be more thankful for your decision to go organic.

The most popular organic weed killer that you can go out and buy is the ​​Doctor Kirchner Natural Weed & Grass Killer. It comes pre-mixed and is made using ocean saltwater, commercial strength food-grade vinegar and soap. 

Hand Weeding

Hand weeding requires more elbow grease but can often be more effective. If you can slowly pull and shake the weeds using an upwards motion, more often than not, they can be removed, roots and all. It will also depend a little on the soil they are in.

It may take a small hand shovel or pick to hack around the base of the weed to loosen the soil. Once you have access to the roots, you can remove them with your hands. Try to replace any removed soil and level off to keep a consistently clean looking area. 

Using a Propane Weed Torch

Propane weed torches can be purchased pre-constructed or built with a bit of proper knowledge. The latter isn’t recommended if you don’t know what you’re doing as you’ll be using a fuel source such as gas. Before using the torch, it’s advisable to clean the area of any dry debris that may catch alight, such as leaves or grass.

Use the ignition source and switch the gas on to the desired amount. Slowly walk with the torch aiming at the roots and leaves you would like to remove. The moisture will evaporate from the leaves. As a result, the weeds will dry out and die.

Boiling water

Another simple homemade method of weed killer is by using boiling water. Simply boil a pot of water for 5 mins. Then pour the water over the weeds directly.

This method is effective as the boiling water disinfects the soil and sterilizes seeds, seedlings and/or juvenile specimens. It’s one of the most cost-effective and environmentally friendly methods that no one talks about!

Rubbing Alcohol

This is another method similar to the organic weed killer with salt and vinegar. Using rubbing alcohol will dry out the weeds and kill them. You can prepare the solution by adding 1 quart (1 liter) of water and 2 tablespoons of rubbing alcohol to a spray bottle. Give the mixture a good shaking and spray on the desired area. For optimal results, aim to spray on a dry day so the mixture can soak in and have a full effect. 

Using Salt and Vinegar

You can quite easily make your concoction using some ingredients commonly found around the house. You will need:

1. 1-gallon white vinegar.
2. 1 cup salt.
3. 1 tablespoon liquid dish soap.
4. A simple plastic spray bottle that can hold the required volume of ingredients.

Each of the ingredients within the recipe has a specific role to play. The salt and vinegar contain acetic acid, which will dry out the plant and wilt and die. The dish soap helps the other 2 ingredients stick to the plant long enough to do their job.

Simply mix the salt and vinegar first, then add the soap and shake again. Spray on any weeds that you wish to remove. Depending on their size, characteristics, and resilience, they may take a few go. 

Using Selective and Non-Selective Herbicide

Selective herbicides are chemicals that only target certain plants. These include broadleaf weeds, grass weeds, dandelions and thistles, to name a few. They also can keep your lawn intact as they won’t target those types of vegetation.

Therefore, this type is something you would use to maintain a perfect lawn. On the other hand, non-selective herbicides will wipe out anything with which it comes in contact. This type is ideal for pavement and bricked areas where you want to keep them clean and weed-free.

Newspaper

The use of newspapers as a weed control method has been known and practiced for quite some time. It’s more of a preparation type of approach that can reduce the number of weeds that grow around the rest of your garden.

The beauty of using newspaper for this type of process is that it is biodegradable, it’s porous, lets water seep through, and can also help block out any excess light. To apply this method to your garden, you will need to:

1. Prepare your garden bed as you normally would but don’t add any mulch.
2. Remove every single weed that you find around the area. 
3. Add in the plants that you wish before laying out the newspaper. 
4. Add a layer of an easily decomposable mulch to the garden base.
5. Layout the newspaper, carefully overlapping whilst leaving no gaps.
6. Lay the pieces around the edges of the root system of your garden plants. Keeping an even distance of around 1-2 inches from the plant’s stems.
7. Lay down your preferred thickness of mulch over the newspaper
8. Give it a good amount of water so that the ground is moist but not soaking. Top up with water when necessary
9. You should now have a weed-free garden. 

Brush Killer

The brush is like the bigger, more bushy weeds that grow out of control. These weeds include vines from stumps, trees and shrubs. Poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac are the most common vine types that can produce some pretty nasty stings if it touches your skin. It can also cause lung problems if burnt on fire and inhaled.

Brush killer is a systemic herbicide that you can purchase to help rid these pesky weed types. Simply spray on the whole weed from leaves down to stem and roots. As a result, they will shrivel up and die. The process usually takes between 1-and 6 weeks. A good quality brush killer can remove tree stumps! 

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion

To answer the question “Does Diesel Kill Weed?” simply, I would say diesel is badass against weeds and most garden/yard sized vegetational species.

It’s easy to get a hold of, it isn’t too expensive, and it’s simple to apply and work with. The legality of its use is the only real drawback.

Of course, some more organic methods can be used, and some other legal means can be purchased from a home depot. Ultimately, if you want bang for your buck, you can’t go wrong with good old diesel!