Best Herbicide For Fence Rows: Top 15 Options

Fence rows collect weeds, brush, and volunteer trees faster than almost any other part of a property. They are hard to mow, easy to neglect, and often the first place invasive species take hold. Choosing the right herbicide for fence rows means matching the product to the vegetation you need to control and the surrounding land you want to protect.

Fence row herbicides fall into two broad categories: non-selective products that kill everything they contact, and selective products that target broadleaf weeds or grasses while leaving other vegetation unharmed. Non-selective options work best for full fence line clearing, while selective options are used where desirable grasses should survive.

Application method matters as much as product choice. Foliar sprays work on small weeds and brush, while cut-stump, basal bark, and soil treatments are needed for established trees and vines. Timing applications for late summer and early fall delivers the best long-term control on perennial species.

In this guide, we review the best herbicides for fence rows by examining non-selective and selective options, application methods, and safe-use practices for long-term fence line management.

Best Herbicide For Fence Rows: Top 15 Options

1. Glyphosate – Best Overall Herbicide For Fence Rows

Glyphosate is the best overall herbicide for fence rows because it is non-selective, systemic, and controls grasses, broadleaf weeds, and woody plants. It is absorbed through foliage and translocated to growing points, killing both top growth and roots. It has no soil residual activity, so it does not prevent new weeds from germinating.

Glyphosate is widely used for fence line clearing, driveway edges, and site preparation. It works best when applied to actively growing vegetation in late summer or early fall, when plants are moving energy to their roots. It is not selective, so it kills desirable plants on contact.

Resistance to glyphosate has developed in many weed species, so rotating to other modes of action helps preserve its effectiveness. It requires careful application to avoid drift onto desirable vegetation.

2. Triclopyr – Best For Woody Brush In Fence Rows

Triclopyr is the best herbicide for woody brush in fence rows because it targets brush, vines, and tough broadleaf plants while leaving grasses unharmed. It is absorbed through leaves, stems, and roots, depending on the formulation. It is available in ester and amine forms for different application methods.

Triclopyr is used in fence rows, rights-of-way, pastures, and forestry. It is highly effective on invasive species like multiflora rose, Japanese honeysuckle, and poison ivy. It works best when applied as a foliar spray, basal bark treatment, or cut-stump treatment in late summer or early fall.

This product has moderate soil residual activity in some formulations. It can injure desirable broadleaf plants if applied carelessly, so careful targeting is essential around gardens and ornamentals.

3. 2,4-D – Best For Broadleaf Weeds Along Fence Lines

2,4-D is the best herbicide for broadleaf weeds along fence lines because it selectively controls broadleaf plants without harming most grasses. It is a synthetic auxin that causes uncontrolled cell division and twisting. It is absorbed through leaves and translocated throughout the plant.

2,4-D is used in fence rows, pastures, and roadsides to control dandelion, thistle, plantain, and other broadleaf weeds. It works best when applied to actively growing weeds in spring or fall. It does not control grasses or woody plants on its own.

Resistance to 2,4-D is increasing in some weed species. It is a restricted-use product in some formulations, and drift to sensitive broadleaf crops can cause serious damage.

4. Dicamba – Best For Tough Broadleaf Weeds

Dicamba is a selective broadleaf herbicide that controls tough weeds along fence lines, including kochia, pigweed, and Canada thistle. It is absorbed through leaves, roots, and stems, making it effective under a wide range of conditions. It is often tank-mixed with 2,4-D for broader spectrum control.

Dicamba is used in fence rows, pastures, and non-crop areas. It has some soil residual activity that extends control of germinating broadleaf weeds. It works best when applied to actively growing weeds in spring or fall.

Dicamba is volatile and can drift long distances, damaging sensitive crops and garden plants. It is regulated in many states, with restrictions on timing and buffer zones.

5. Crossbow – Best Ready-Mixed Brush Herbicide

Crossbow is a ready-mixed herbicide combining 2,4-D and triclopyr for broad-spectrum brush and broadleaf control in fence rows. It is absorbed through leaves and roots and translocated throughout the plant. It is widely used in rights-of-way, pastures, and non-crop areas.

Crossbow is labeled for fence rows, rights-of-way, pastures, and industrial sites. It controls brush, vines, and tough broadleaf weeds like blackberry, poison ivy, and multiflora rose. It works best when applied to actively growing vegetation in late summer or early fall.

This product has moderate soil residual activity that contributes to its long-lasting control. It can injure desirable broadleaf plants if applied carelessly, so careful targeting is essential in mixed landscapes.

6. Remedy Ultra – Best For Cut-Stump And Basal Bark

Remedy Ultra is a triclopyr ester formulation designed for cut-stump and basal bark applications on woody plants in fence rows. It is absorbed through bark and cut surfaces and translocated to the roots, killing the entire plant. It is highly effective on tough brush and invasive trees.

Remedy Ultra is labeled for fence rows, rights-of-way, pastures, and forestry. It controls mesquite, huisache, blackberry, poison ivy, and other woody species. It works best when applied as a basal bark or cut-stump treatment in late summer or early fall.

This product requires an oil carrier for basal bark applications and careful targeting to avoid damage to desirable trees and shrubs. It is not suitable for use near water without an approved aquatic formulation.

7. Garlon 4 Ultra – Best For Basal Bark Applications

Garlon 4 Ultra is a triclopyr ester formulation designed for basal bark and cut-stump treatments on woody plants. It is absorbed through the bark and translocated to the roots, killing the entire plant. It is widely used in fence rows, rights-of-way, and forestry.

Garlon 4 Ultra is labeled for fence rows, rights-of-way, pastures, and industrial sites. It controls brush, vines, and invasive trees like tree of heaven and ailanthus. It works best when applied as a basal bark treatment in late summer or early fall.

This product requires an oil carrier for basal bark applications and careful targeting to avoid damage to desirable trees and shrubs. It is not suitable for use near water without an approved aquatic formulation.

8. Imazapyr – Best For Long-Term Residual Control

Imazapyr is a non-selective herbicide with long soil residual activity that controls grasses, broadleaf weeds, and woody plants in fence rows. It is absorbed through leaves and roots and translocated throughout the plant. It is highly effective on tough perennial species and invasive trees.

Imazapyr is labeled for fence rows, rights-of-way, and non-crop areas. It controls deep-rooted perennials like Johnsongrass, Bermuda grass, and tree of heaven. It works best when applied to actively growing vegetation in late summer or early fall.

This product has significant soil residual activity that can affect desirable plants for months or years. It is not suitable for use where sensitive plants will be planted soon after application.

9. Picloram – Best For Deep-Rooted Perennials

Picloram is a selective broadleaf herbicide with long soil residual activity that controls deep-rooted perennials like Canada thistle and leafy spurge in fence rows. It is absorbed through leaves and roots and translocated throughout the plant. It is highly effective on tough Asteraceae species.

Picloram is labeled for fence rows, rights-of-way, pastures, and non-crop areas. It controls a broad spectrum of broadleaf weeds without harming established grasses. It works best when applied to actively growing weeds in spring or fall.

This product has long soil residual activity that can affect sensitive broadleaf plants for months or years. It is not suitable for use where legumes or sensitive crops will be planted soon after application.

10. Aminopyralid – Best For Pasture Edges And Fence Rows

Aminopyralid is a selective broadleaf herbicide that controls deep-rooted perennials in fence rows and pasture edges. It is absorbed through leaves and roots and translocated throughout the plant. It is highly effective on thistles, knapweeds, and other Asteraceae species.

Aminopyralid is labeled for fence rows, pastures, rangeland, and non-crop areas. It controls a broad spectrum of broadleaf weeds without harming established grasses. It works best when applied to actively growing weeds in spring or fall.

This product has significant soil residual activity that can affect sensitive broadleaf plants for months or years. It is not suitable for use where legumes or sensitive crops will be planted soon after application.

11. Glufosinate – Best Non-Selective Alternative To Glyphosate

Glufosinate is a non-selective herbicide that controls grasses, broadleaf weeds, and woody seedlings in fence rows. It is absorbed through leaves and acts on contact, with symptoms appearing within hours. It is often used as an alternative to glyphosate where resistance is a concern.

Glufosinate is labeled for fence rows, rights-of-way, and non-crop areas. It has no soil residual activity, so it does not prevent new weeds from germinating. It works best when applied to small, actively growing vegetation with good spray coverage.

This product requires good spray coverage for effective control and works best on small weeds. It is less effective on large or stressed vegetation than systemic herbicides.

12. Diquat – Best For Fast Burndown Of Fence Line Weeds

Diquat is a non-selective contact herbicide that rapidly desiccates grasses and broadleaf weeds in fence rows. It is absorbed through leaves and disrupts cell membranes, causing wilting and browning within hours. It has no soil residual activity.

Diquat is labeled for fence rows, driveways, and non-crop areas. It controls small annual weeds and provides fast burndown where quick results are needed. It works best when applied to small, actively growing vegetation with good spray coverage.

This product requires good spray coverage for effective control and works best on small weeds. It is less effective on perennial species and woody plants because it does not move into roots.

13. Diuron – Best For Long-Term Soil Residual Control

Diuron is a non-selective herbicide with long soil residual activity that controls grasses and broadleaf weeds in fence rows. It is absorbed through roots and inhibits photosynthesis in susceptible plants. It is highly effective on annual weeds and some perennials.

Diuron is labeled for fence rows, rights-of-way, and industrial sites. It controls annual grasses and broadleaf weeds when applied before or after germination. It works best when applied to bare soil or small, actively growing vegetation.

This product has significant soil residual activity that can affect desirable plants for months or years. It is not suitable for use where sensitive plants will be planted soon after application.

14. Bromacil – Best For Total Vegetation Control

Bromacil is a non-selective herbicide with long soil residual activity that controls grasses, broadleaf weeds, and woody plants in fence rows. It is absorbed through roots and inhibits photosynthesis in susceptible plants. It is highly effective on tough perennial species.

Bromacil is labeled for fence rows, rights-of-way, and industrial sites. It controls a broad spectrum of vegetation when applied to bare soil or actively growing plants. It works best when applied in late summer or early fall before soil freezes.

This product has significant soil residual activity that can affect desirable plants for months or years. It is not suitable for use where sensitive plants will be planted soon after application.

15. Hexazinone – Best For Total Fence Line Clearing

Hexazinone is a non-selective herbicide with long soil residual activity that controls grasses, broadleaf weeds, and woody plants in fence rows. It is absorbed primarily through roots and inhibits photosynthesis in susceptible plants. It is highly effective on tough perennial species.

Hexazinone is labeled for fence rows, rights-of-way, and non-crop areas. It controls a broad spectrum of vegetation when applied to bare soil around the base of established woody plants. It works best when applied in late summer or early fall before soil freezes.

This product has significant soil residual activity that can affect desirable plants for months or years. It is not suitable for use where sensitive plants will be planted soon after application.

Tips For Using Herbicides On Fence Rows

• Match the product to the vegetation: Use non-selective herbicides like glyphosate for total clearing, or selective products like triclopyr and 2,4-D where grasses should survive.
• Time applications for late summer or early fall: Perennial plants move energy to their roots in late summer and fall, improving herbicide absorption and long-term control.
• Use the right application method: Foliar sprays work on small weeds and brush, while cut-stump, basal bark, and soil treatments are needed for established trees and vines.
• Watch drift: Many fence row herbicides can drift onto sensitive crops and garden plants. Spray in calm conditions and use drift-reducing nozzles.
• Rotate modes of action: Using the same herbicide group repeatedly selects for resistant weeds. Rotate between different groups across seasons.
• Follow the label rate: Apply at the labeled rate for the target species and site. Over-application can damage soil and desirable plants.
• Re-treat regrowth: Some species resprout after treatment. Monitor treated areas and re-treat regrowth while it is still small.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the best herbicide for fence rows?

Glyphosate is the best overall herbicide for fence rows because it is non-selective, systemic, and controls grasses, broadleaf weeds, and woody plants. Triclopyr and Crossbow are better where brush and broadleaf weeds dominate.

2. Will glyphosate kill fence row brush?

Glyphosate kills fence row brush when applied to actively growing foliage in late summer or early fall. For tough woody species, triclopyr or a tank mix with triclopyr is more effective.

3. What kills brush but not grass?

Triclopyr, Crossbow, and Remedy Ultra kill brush and broadleaf weeds without harming most grasses. These products are useful where grasses should survive along the fence line.

4. How do I stop weeds from growing along my fence line?

Use a combination of non-selective herbicide for existing vegetation and a soil residual product like imazapyr or diuron to prevent new weeds from germinating. Re-treat regrowth as needed.

5. When is the best time to spray fence rows?

Late summer and early fall are the best times to spray fence rows because perennial plants are moving energy to their roots, improving herbicide absorption and long-term control.

6. Can I use vinegar to kill fence row weeds?

Vinegar can burn small annual weeds but rarely kills perennial plants or brush. It works best as part of an integrated program combining hand-pulling, mowing, and selective herbicides.

7. Are fence row herbicides safe around livestock?

Most fence row herbicides are safe around livestock when applied according to label directions and grazing restrictions. Always check the label for specific grazing intervals and follow them carefully.

Conclusion

Glyphosate is the best overall herbicide for fence rows because it is non-selective, systemic, and controls grasses, broadleaf weeds, and woody plants. Triclopyr, Crossbow, and Remedy Ultra follow closely as the best options for brush and broadleaf weeds where grasses should survive.

For long-term residual control, imazapyr, picloram, aminopyralid, diuron, bromacil, and hexazinone prevent new weeds from germinating and reduce the need for repeat applications. These products are best used where total vegetation control is acceptable and where sensitive plants are not nearby.

Effective fence row management requires matching the product to the vegetation, timing applications for late summer or early fall, using the right application method, and following the label rate. Rotating modes of action prevents resistance and keeps products effective over time.

Start your fence row control program this season, choose the right product for your vegetation and site, and plan for follow-up treatments each year. Consistent effort delivers a clean, manageable fence line that stays that way.