Ortho GroundClear: Year-Long Vegetation Control That Actually Works

Ortho GroundClear Vegetation Killer delivers what contractors need for gravel driveways and equipment yards — genuine year-long prevention at 1,000 square feet per gallon of mixed solution. The concentrate formula combines immediate knockdown with soil residual that keeps vegetation from returning for a full 12 months.

Dual-Action Technology and Coverage Specifications

The active ingredients tell the story: 0.47% Imazapyr for residual control plus 5.00% Pelargonic acid for fast burn-down. This dual-action formula kills existing vegetation and prevents new growth for one year. Mix 24 fl oz per gallon of water — that’s a 24:1 ratio that stretches each concentrate bottle into serious coverage.

Shows visible results in 6-12 hours and becomes rainproof in just 1 hour. That rapid action matters when working around Montana’s afternoon thunderstorms during summer construction season.

Specification	Value
Active Ingredients	0.47% Imazapyr, 5.00% Pelargonic acid
Mix Ratio	24 fl oz per 1 gallon water
Coverage	1,000 sq ft per gallon mixed
Rainproof Time	1 hour
Visible Results	6-12 hours
Prevention Duration	Up to 12 months

Each gallon of concentrate makes approximately 5 gallons of spray solution when mixed. That’s enough to treat 5,000 square feet when mixed according to directions — valuable coverage for large Montana properties where fence lines stretch and gravel parking areas sprawl.

Application Realities and Restrictions

The non-selective nature means it kills everything — no playing favorites between weeds and desirable plants. Cannot replant for one full year after application. That’s not a suggestion — the Imazapyr remains active in soil for 12 months, preventing any vegetation establishment.

Ideal applications include driveways, patios, walkways, gravel paths, parking areas, fence lines, and rock or mulch beds in non-planted areas. Registered for non-crop land use only (EPA Reg. No. 239-2761).

Tank sprayer required — either pump or backpack style. Apply on calm days when temperatures are between 60°F and 90°F. Ensure target area is dry and clear of debris, apply spray evenly until vegetation or soil is wet, and avoid drift to desirable plants.

Performance Compared to Standard Herbicides

Standard glyphosate products kill existing plants but don’t provide long-term prevention — GroundClear includes Imazapyr for residual control. That’s the critical difference. Glyphosate handles what’s growing today. GroundClear prevents what would grow tomorrow.

The organic-listed FastActing version lacks the 1-year residual prevention of this Vegetation Killer Concentrate. Choose based on whether long-term sterilization helps or hurts the project goals.

Reviews average 3.8 stars across retailers, with positive feedback on effective long-term suppression and fast action, while negative reviews cite the non-selective nature and replanting restrictions. Those “negatives” are features, not bugs — the product does exactly what it promises.

FAQ

How much area will one gallon of concentrate cover? When mixed at 24 fl oz per gallon of water, each gallon of concentrate makes 5 gallons of spray solution that covers approximately 5,000 square feet total.

Can I use this around trees or shrubs? No. This is a non-selective herbicide that kills all vegetation, and drift must be avoided to protect desirable plants.

How soon can I plant grass or flowers after applying? Cannot replant for one full year after application — the product prevents any vegetation growth for 12 months.

Will it work on established woody plants? The Imazapyr ingredient provides systemic action that can control woody plants, though larger established plants may require multiple applications or higher concentrations within label limits.

Does rain affect the application? The product becomes rainproof in 1 hour. Wait at least 1 hour after application before watering or rain exposure.