The following question was sent to the P&PDL diagnosticians here at Purdue University:

Question: I have heard that vinegar can be used to kill lawn weeds. Is that true?

Answer: Though vinegar is acidic, it has been shown not to be very effective in controlling weeds (see web links below). In addition, Zac Reicher, Extension Turf Specialist, notes that it is still illegal to use vinegar for weed control in Indiana unless it is specifically labeled for that use.

--Gail Ruhl, Interim P&PDL Director, Senior Diagnostician

For more information, please see the following links:

http://www.weeds.iastate.edu/weednews/vinegar.htm

http://oregonstate.edu/dept/nursery-weeds/weedspeciespage/acetic_acid_factsheet.pdf

Information listed is valid only for the state of Indiana.

The information given herein is supplied with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by the Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service is implied. Any person using products listed assumes full responsibility for their use in accordance with current direction of the manufacturer. Purdue University is an equal opportunity/equal access institution.