Weed killer application in Exeter
Professional weed killer application services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£60-£110
Typical Duration
1-2 hrs
Location
Exeter, Devon
Weed killer applied carefully to problem areas - paths, drives, patio edges, gravel. Spot treatment so your plants are fine, but the weeds aren't. Proper equipment means even coverage and less waste.
When Weeds Are Winning
Your paths are more weed than path. Patio's got stuff growing between every slab. The gravel drive looks like a meadow.
You could hand-pull them all (backbreaking), or you could treat them properly and let them die over the next week.
Weed killer works, but it needs applying carefully - kill the weeds without nuking everything else.
💡 Pro tip: Weed killer applied on a warm, dry day works much faster than cold wet conditions. Weeds absorb it better when they're actively growing.
Why Careful Application Matters
Spray gun = controlled. Just sloshing it everywhere = plant carnage and waste.
| ✅ Done Properly | ❌ Badly Done |
|---|---|
| Only on weeds and hard surfaces | All over your plants too |
| Even coverage at right strength | Patchy coverage, doesn't work |
| Drift controlled | Kills half your flower bed |
| Pets/kids kept safe | No warning given |
What's Involved
🔧 The Process
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Assess | Identify treatment areas, protect nearby plants |
| Mix | Right strength for the job (paths vs lawns different) |
| Apply | Careful spot treatment with proper spray equipment |
| Advise | How long to keep pets/kids off, when you'll see results |
📦 You're Left With
- Treated weeds (dying over next 1-2 weeks)
- Plants and lawn unharmed
- Clear safety advice
Pricing Guide
| Area | Estimated Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Small area (path, patio edges) | 1 hr | £60 |
| Medium area (whole drive, large patio) | 1.5 hrs | £85 |
| Large area (paths + drive + gravel) | 2 hrs | £110 |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after. Weedkiller included in price for standard jobs - very large areas charged at cost.
Perfect For...
✅ Paving weed control - paths, patios, drives
✅ Gravel areas - weeds taking over
✅ Block paving - stuff growing between blocks
✅ Before pressure washing - kill first, wash after
Why Choose Us for Weed killer application in Exeter?
Applied carefully - not all over your plants
Right strength for the job
Spot treatment where needed
Advice on keeping pets and kids safe
What to Expect
Step 1: Plan & Protect
Work out what's getting treated, protect any nearby plants that might catch drift, check weather's suitable (dry for a few hours).
Step 2: Apply Treatment
Careful spot application with proper spray equipment. Even coverage, right strength, avoiding your plants and lawn.
Step 3: Safety Advice
Tell you when it's safe for pets and kids, when you'll see results, whether a second application might be needed for tough stuff.
🔧 DIY Tips
If you want to apply weed killer yourself:
🔧 What you'll need
- Garden sprayer (pump-action or trigger spray)
- Weed killer concentrate or ready-to-use
- Protective gloves
- Calm day (wind ruins everything)
- Marker or tape for treated areas
☠️ Safety first
- Read the label - seriously
- Wear gloves (gets on skin, not ideal)
- Don't spray in wind (it drifts)
- Keep pets and kids off treated areas
- Don't use cooking utensils for mixing
- Store safely away from children
💧 Mixing (if using concentrate)
- Follow label instructions exactly
- More is NOT better - just wastes product
- Use measuring jug not guesswork
- Mix in the sprayer, not a bucket
- Rinse measuring jug thoroughly after
🎯 Application technique
- Spray when weeds are actively growing (spring/summer best)
- Coverage should be even - not pooling in puddles
- Keep spray low to reduce drift
- Work systematically so you don't miss patches
- Avoid windy days - it blows everywhere
- Best done morning or evening (less evaporation)
⚠️ Common DIY mistakes
- Spraying on windy days (kills your plants too)
- Making it too strong (doesn't work better, just wastes money)
- Pulling weeds out early (let them die properly first)
- Applying before rain (washes off before working)
- Not protecting nearby plants (oops)
- Reusing sprayer for other things (cross-contamination)
💡 Pro trick: Add a tiny drop of washing up liquid to the mix (not loads, just a drop). Helps it stick to waxy leaves better. Some products have this built in - check the label.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🌱 Organic alternatives: Vinegar-based weed killers exist and work okay for annual weeds. Tougher perennial weeds (bindweed, dandelions with deep roots) laugh at vinegar. Depends on your weeds and your principles.
Before pressure washing paths/drives? Treat with weed killer first, wait two weeks, then pressure wash. Gets rid of the roots as well as the visible growth.
Really persistent weeds (Japanese knotweed, mares tail)? Standard weed killer struggles. Multiple applications needed or specialist treatment. I'll advise if you've got problem weeds.
Gravel drives and paths? Weed killer works but they come back eventually. Some people use membrane underneath when they relay gravel - stops most problems for years.
Devon's mild climate means weeds grow year-round. Autumn treatment can be very effective - weeds suck down energy to roots before winter, taking weedkiller with them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What weed killer do you use?
Standard glyphosate-based weedkiller for most jobs - same stuff you'd buy in the garden centre but I've got the proper spraying equipment for even application. For organic preferences or near edibles, I can use vinegar-based alternatives. Less effective but safer around food plants.
Is weed killer safe around pets and children?
Once it's dry (usually 2-4 hours depending on weather), yes. I'll advise you on timing - best done when kids/pets won't be in that area for a few hours. Labels say 24 hours to be extra safe. I can also use pet-friendly alternatives if you prefer.
Can you spray near my plants without killing them?
Yes - it's called spot treatment. I use a targeted spray not a broadcast one, keep it low to avoid drift, and protect nearby plants if needed. The whole point is killing weeds, not your flowers. That said, be realistic - if weeds are right up against plants, it's risky.
How long before the weeds die?
Glyphosate takes 7-14 days to fully kill - you'll see yellowing after a few days but proper death takes time. It needs to get into the roots. Don't pull them out early thinking it hasn't worked - let them die properly first.
Can you spray if it's going to rain?
Need at least 2-3 hours of dry weather after application for it to be absorbed. If rain's forecast sooner, we reschedule. Waste of time and money otherwise - it just washes off before doing anything.
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