Rm43 Vs Roundup 365: Is It Worth It?

I’ve spent years wrestling with weeds in my backyard, along fence lines, and in gravel driveways, so I know the frustration of watching those pesky plants creep back no matter how much you pull or spray. When it comes to tackling tough vegetation, two heavy hitters stand out: RM43 and Roundup 365. In this article, I’ll walk you through my experience with both, comparing their strengths, weaknesses, and ideal uses to help you decide which herbicide fits your needs. From active ingredients to application tips, I’ll break it all down in a clear, conversational way.

Comparison Table: RM43 Vs. Roundup 365

My Journey With Weeds And Herbicides

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I remember the first time I noticed weeds choking out my gravel driveway. It was like they were mocking me, sprouting up between the stones no matter how many I yanked out. I started with basic Roundup, but the weeds kept coming back. That’s when I stumbled across RM43 and Roundup 365, two herbicides promising longer-lasting control. Both have their fans, but they’re not identical. Let’s break down what makes each one tick, based on my hands-on experience and research.

Understanding Rm43: The Heavy-Duty Contender

RM43 is like the nuclear option for weeds. It’s a non-selective herbicide, meaning it doesn’t discriminate—it’ll take out anything green it touches. The magic lies in its blend of two active ingredients: glyphosate (43.68%) and imazapyr (0.78%). Glyphosate is the weed-killing powerhouse, attacking plants down to the roots. Imazapyr, though, is the game-changer. It lingers in the soil, preventing new growth for up to a year. This makes RM43 a go-to for areas where you want nothing growing—like fence rows, gravel paths, or parking lots.

I used RM43 last summer on a stubborn patch of crabgrass and thistle near my barn. The mix rate—6 to 7.4 ounces per gallon of water—felt a bit daunting at first. I had to be precise, using a pump sprayer to ensure even coverage. Within 48 hours, the weeds started yellowing, and by two weeks, they were gone. Better yet, that patch stayed bare for nearly a year, even through heavy spring rains. It’s rainproof in just two hours, which is a lifesaver when you’re dodging unpredictable weather.

But RM43 isn’t perfect. Its potency is a double-edged sword. I learned the hard way to avoid spraying near desirable plants—its soil residual effect can harm anything nearby, including your prized roses or lawn grass. I also found the cost, around $58 for a gallon, a bit steep, though it stretches far, covering up to 17,297 square feet. For large-scale projects, it’s a solid investment, but for small gardens, it might be overkill.

Pros And Cons Of RM43

Pros

• Long-lasting control (up to 12 months).
• Highly effective on tough weeds like thistle and nutsedge.
• Covers large areas (17,297 sq. ft. per gallon).
• Rainproof in two hours.
• Works as both pre- and post-emergent herbicide.

Cons

• Expensive upfront cost ($58–$90 per gallon).
• Soil residual effect can harm nearby plants.
• Requires careful mixing and application.
• Not ideal for areas where you plan to replant soon.
• Potential environmental concerns due to imazapyr persistence.

Exploring Roundup 365: The Versatile All-Rounder

Roundup 365, on the other hand, feels like a more approachable option. It’s also non-selective, packing glyphosate (18%), diquat (0.73%), and imazapic (1.6%). The lower glyphosate concentration compared to RM43 makes it less intense, but the addition of diquat speeds up visible results—I saw weeds wilting in just 12 hours. Imazapic, like imazapyr, provides pre-emergent control, keeping new weeds at bay for up to a year. I grabbed a 32-ounce bottle of the ready-to-use version for about $40, which was perfect for spot-treating weeds in my patio cracks.

Last spring, I used Roundup 365 on a weedy flower bed before replanting. The ready-to-use spray with the Comfort Wand made application a breeze—no mixing, no mess. It’s rainproof in 30 minutes, which was great when a storm rolled in unexpectedly. The weeds were dead in about 10 days, and I could replant a week later without worrying about residual effects harming my new plants. Unlike RM43, Roundup 365’s soil activity is less persistent, making it safer for areas where you want to grow something new.

The downside? The coverage is limited—32 ounces only treats about 1,000 square feet, and the concentrate version isn’t as cost-effective as RM43 for large areas. I also noticed that some stubborn weeds, like bamboo, needed multiple applications. Plus, the glyphosate controversy—potential health risks flagged by studies—made me extra cautious, wearing gloves and a mask during application.

Pros And Cons Of Roundup 365

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Pros

• Fast visible results (12 hours).
• Rainproof in 30 minutes.
• Ready-to-use option simplifies application.
• Safer for areas where replanting is planned.
• More affordable for small-scale use ($40–$60 for 32 oz).

Cons

• Less glyphosate concentration (18% vs. RM43’s 43.68%).
• Limited coverage per bottle.
• May require multiple applications for tough weeds.
• Imazapic less effective than imazapyr for long-term control.
• Health concerns tied to glyphosate exposure.

Head-To-Head: How They Stack Up

Let’s get into the meat of the comparison. Both RM43 and Roundup 365 are non-selective, meaning they’ll kill any plant they touch, so precision is key. They both take 7–14 days to fully kill weeds, though Roundup 365 shows results faster (12 hours vs. RM43’s 2–48 hours). The real difference comes down to their ingredients and intended use.

RM43’s higher glyphosate concentration (43.68%) and imazapyr make it a beast for total vegetation control. I used it on a gravel lot where I wanted zero growth, and it delivered. The imazapyr binds to the soil, creating a barrier that stops new weeds for up to a year. But this persistence is a problem if you’re near a garden or lawn—runoff can carry it to places you don’t want affected. I once sprayed too close to my lawn’s edge, and a strip of grass stayed bare for months.

Roundup 365, with its lower glyphosate dose (18%) and imazapic, is less aggressive in the soil. This makes it ideal for spot treatments or areas where you’ll replant soon. I used it in my vegetable garden before sowing new seeds, and it cleared the weeds without lingering effects. The diquat gives it a quick knockout punch, but imazapic’s pre-emergent control isn’t as robust as RM43’s imazapyr. For tough, woody weeds like bamboo, I found Roundup 365 struggled compared to RM43.

Cost-wise, RM43 is pricier upfront ($58–$90 per gallon), but its coverage and potency make it cheaper per square foot for large areas. Roundup 365’s 32-ounce bottle ($40–$60) is better for small jobs, but you’ll burn through it faster. For example, treating my 2,000-square-foot driveway with Roundup 365 required multiple bottles, while RM43’s concentrate stretched further.

Application Tips from My Experience

Applying these herbicides taught me a few lessons. For RM43, I recommend a pump sprayer for even distribution. Mix 6 ounces per gallon for spot treatments, or 7.4 ounces for total vegetation control. Wear protective gear—gloves, long sleeves, and a mask—because the high glyphosate content and imazapyr demand caution. I sprayed on a calm, dry day to avoid drift, and I mowed tall weeds first to ensure the herbicide reached the roots.

For Roundup 365, the ready-to-use version with the Comfort Wand is a game-changer for small areas. If you’re using the concentrate, stick to 6 ounces per gallon. I found it best for spot-treating cracks in my patio or along walkways. The quick rainproof time (30 minutes) is a lifesaver, but don’t skimp on protective clothing, especially given glyphosate’s health concerns.

One tip for both: don’t spray near water sources. RM43’s imazapyr can harm aquatic life, and Roundup 365’s ingredients aren’t much kinder. I also learned to check the weather—apply when no rain is forecast for at least a few hours to ensure the herbicide sets.

Safety and Environmental Considerations

I can’t ignore the elephant in the room: glyphosate. Both RM43 and Roundup 365 rely on it, and studies, like one from the International Agency for Research on Cancer in 2015, have raised flags about its potential as a carcinogen. However, the EPA’s 2020 review concluded it’s not likely carcinogenic when used as directed. Still, I play it safe—full protective gear, no spraying on windy days, and keeping kids and pets away until the spray dries.

RM43’s imazapyr adds another layer of concern. It persists in the soil, which is great for weed control but risky near desirable plants or waterways. I made sure to apply it far from my garden and avoided runoff into nearby streams. Roundup 365’s imazapic is less persistent, but I still kept it away from my vegetable beds to be safe.

When to Choose RM43

RM43 is your pick if you’re fighting a war against weeds in areas where you want nothing growing for a year. I used it along my fence line and around my barn, where I didn’t plan to plant anything. It’s perfect for:

• Gravel driveways and parking lots.
• Fence rows and sidewalks.
• Large-scale weed control in non-crop areas.

Just be cautious near desirable plants, and don’t expect to replant soon. I tried sowing grass seed in an RM43-treated area six months later, and nothing grew. Lesson learned: plan for a year of bare ground.

When to Choose Roundup 365

Roundup 365 shines for smaller, targeted jobs or areas where you’ll replant soon. I used it in my flower beds and patio cracks, where I wanted quick results without long-term soil impact. It’s ideal for:

• Spot-treating weeds in gardens or lawns.
• Clearing overgrown areas before replanting.
• Hard-to-reach spots, thanks to the Comfort Wand.

If you’re dealing with tough, woody weeds, you might need multiple applications, but for most common weeds, it gets the job done.

My Verdict: Which One Wins?

After testing both, I’d call it a draw—each excels in its niche. RM43 is my go-to for large, bare-ground projects where I want long-lasting control. Its potency and coverage make it worth the price for big jobs. Roundup 365, though, is my pick for smaller areas or when I’m prepping to replant. Its ease of use and faster visible results are hard to beat for quick fixes.

Your choice depends on your goals. Want a weed-free driveway for a year? Go with RM43. Need to clear a garden bed for new plants? Roundup 365 is your friend. Either way, both are powerful tools when used carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions (Faq)

Conclusion: Make The Right Choice For Your Weed Battle

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You’ve got weeds, and you’re ready to fight back. RM43 and Roundup 365 are both solid allies, but they serve different purposes. I’ve shared my experiences to help you pick the one that fits your needs—whether it’s RM43’s long-lasting, heavy-duty control or Roundup 365’s quick, versatile action. Consider your project, budget, and replanting plans, and you’ll find the perfect herbicide to keep your space weed-free. Let me know in the comments how your weed battles go!