Ortho GroundClear: The Nuclear Option for Vegetation Control

Ortho GroundClear brings serious firepower to vegetation control with its dual-action herbicide formula. 0.47% Imazapyr provides the year-long residual control that separates this from basic weed killers. Pelargonic acid at 5.00% handles the immediate knockdown.

This isn’t for flower beds. It’s for driveways, gravel paths, and fence lines where you want nothing growing for a full year.

How GroundClear Works

The two-pronged attack makes GroundClear effective where single-ingredient herbicides fail. The dual-action formula kills existing vegetation and prevents new growth for 1 year. Fast-acting: Shows visible results in hours — typically 6 to 12 hours for the pelargonic acid to start browning leaves.

Standard glyphosate kills existing plants but does not provide long-term prevention; GroundClear includes Imazapyr for residual control. That’s the key difference. Glyphosate kills what’s there. Imazapyr keeps it dead.

The concentrate mixing is straightforward. 24 fl. oz. per 1 gallon of water gives you 1,000 sq. ft. coverage per gallon of mixed solution. Makes approximately 5 gallons of spray solution when mixed — enough for 5,000 square feet from one gallon jug.

Application Specs

Specification	Value
Mix Ratio	24 fl. oz. per gallon
Coverage	1,000 sq. ft. per mixed gallon
Visible Results	6 to 12 hours
Rainproof	1 hour
Prevention Period	Up to 1 year (12 months)
EPA Registration	239-2761

Tank sprayer (pump or backpack) is required. No fancy equipment needed. Apply on calm days when temperatures are between 60°F and 90°F.

Montana timing matters here. Our short warm season means hitting this temperature window from May through September. Spring application before weeds establish gives the best year-long control.

Where to Use It (and Where Not To)

Perfect for:

• Driveways, patios, and walkways
• Gravel paths and parking areas
• Fence lines and landscape borders
• Rock and mulch beds (non-planted areas)

This product kills everything and prevents replanting for a full year. Negative feedback often cites its non-selective nature and the restriction on replanting for a full year. Don’t spray it anywhere you might want plants in the next 12 months.

Contractor Perspective

For property managers dealing with gravel driveways and commercial fence lines, GroundClear saves callbacks. One spring application handles the whole season. The rainproof in 1 hour feature matters when Montana’s afternoon thunderstorms roll through.

Positive feedback focuses on its effective long-term weed suppression and fast action. The 3.8 average rating reflects reality — it works exactly as advertised, but some folks don’t read the “kills everything” warning.

The FastActing version is OMRI-listed for organic gardening but lacks the 1-year residual prevention of the Vegetation Killer Concentrate. Choose based on your needs. Organic certification or year-long control — you can’t have both.

The Verdict

GroundClear delivers industrial-strength vegetation control for areas where you want scorched earth. The Imazapyr residual control justifies the premium over basic glyphosate. Perfect for Montana’s short growing season — one application in May lasts through the following spring.

Skip it for selective weed control or anywhere near desirable plants. The drift zone matters with this concentrate. But for total vegetation elimination on driveways, parking areas, and fence lines? Nothing else provides 12-month prevention in one shot.

FAQs

Q: Can I replant after using GroundClear? A: Not for a full year. The restriction on replanting for a full year is real. This product creates a chemical barrier in the soil that prevents any plant growth for 12 months.

Q: How does it compare to regular Roundup? A: Standard glyphosate kills existing plants but does not provide long-term prevention; GroundClear includes Imazapyr for residual control. Roundup requires multiple applications per season. GroundClear is once and done.

Q: What surfaces can I spray it on? A: Compatible with concrete, asphalt, gravel, stone, and brick pavers. Won’t damage hardscapes, but will kill any vegetation growing through cracks.

Q: Do I need special equipment? A: Tank sprayer (pump or backpack) is required. Standard pump sprayers work fine. Compatible with standard pump sprayers and backpack sprayers.