How We Tested

Spruce Weed & Grass Killer was evaluated by 10 judges and consumer testers, including experts in consumer products, packaging and sustainability. The brand shipped one can of the EZ Aim format directly to each participant, as coordinated by Best of the Year.

During July and August, participants applied the product according to use directions and observed the treated weeds and grasses for immediate and overnight effects. Their feedback covered ease of application, spray control, visible results, packaging and likelihood of recommending the product.

Expert judges also considered the product’s ingredients, the support for its performance and marketing claims, and its value. Best of the Year analysts reviewed all evaluator ratings and open-ended feedback alongside their own testing observations along with product’s entry materials before reaching a decision.

What Experts and Consumer Testers Said

Fast and visible results made the strongest impression. An expert saw treated weeds beginning to wilt and yellow within approximately a couple of hours in her front yard. They had turned brown by the next day. "It was easy to aim and apply, produced visible effects relatively quickly, and the treated weeds were clearly shriveled by the following day," she summarized. Another category judge was just as enthusiastic about the performance: "It worked! It worked better than any weed killer I've used."

Consumer testers also rated Spruce highly. One singled out how easy it was to use. Another saw unwanted weeds and grass dying within a couple of days and said the treated patches remained clear a few weeks later.

"It was easy to aim and apply, produced visible effects relatively quickly, and the treated weeds were clearly shriveled by the following day." -Best of the Year Judge & Consumer Product Expert

The ability to aim at individual weeds mattered, particularly near plants testers wanted to keep. One appreciated the control she had with one hand and the lack of overspray: "The spray is targeted, so you don't waste product with overspray, and don't eliminate plants you want to preserve. And it's very effective." That precision is useful for spot treatments, though Spruce will affect lawn grass too if the spray reaches it.

"The spray is targeted, so you don't waste product with overspray, and don't eliminate plants you want to preserve. And it's very effective." -Best of the Year Consumer Tester

The packaging drew some criticism. A packaging expert liked the dispensing mechanism once he figured it out but wanted clearer unlocking directions. The label on one'e sample was misaligned with the mechanism. Another reported that the trigger on his can failed partway through use, and one noticed minor leakage after spraying. The spray worked well, but those packaging problems can slow you down when you’re trying to finish a quick yard chore.

"It worked! It worked better than any weed killer I've used."
- Best of the Year Judge & Home Care Product Expert

Best of the Year Bottom Line

For weeds poking through driveway cracks or along a patio edge, Spruce makes the job feel manageable: aim, spray, and watch for wilting. Our testers liked how quickly it worked and how easy it was to target unwanted growth. Keep the spray off grass and plants you want to keep. And when the next weed appears, you’ll know where to aim.

Why Trust Us?

The Best of the Year Media team comprises award-winning editors, analysts, subject-matter experts and consumer specialists who have built their careers helping people make smarter, more confident decisions. With deep expertise across consumer lifestyle categories, our team brings decades of experience evaluating products, brands and services. Our recommendations are grounded in rigorous evaluation combined with expert judgment and consumer insights, giving readers trusted guidance on products, services, and experiences worth bringing into their lives.

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