Does your perfect green lawn suddenly look speckled with unwelcome visitors like dandelions and clover? It’s frustrating when those pesky broadleaf weeds pop up, ruining your carefully manicured turf. Choosing the right broadleaf herbicide can feel like navigating a maze. You worry about killing the good grass while trying to zap the bad weeds. Many products promise miracles, but which one actually delivers safe, effective results for your specific lawn type?
Understanding the difference between various herbicides—and knowing how to apply them correctly—is the key to winning the lawn war. Stop wasting money on sprays that don’t work or, worse, accidentally damage your healthy grass. This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down the best broadleaf herbicides available, explaining exactly what they target and how to use them for maximum impact.
Keep reading to discover the secrets to a weed-free, vibrant lawn. We’ll provide clear, actionable advice so you can confidently select the perfect product and enjoy the lush, green carpet you deserve this season.
Top Broadleaf Herbicide For Lawns Recommendations
- Low, economical use rate of 1 to 4 pints per acre
- Controls many broadleaf weeds & woody plants
- Use in turf, pastures, rangeland, ditch banks, fences…
- Weed killer for lawns: Kill weeds in your lawn, including dandelion, chickweed, clover, crabgrass and foxtail with the Ortho WeedClear Lawn Weed Killer Ready-to-Spray
- Fast-acting weed control: This weed control product kills listed weeds like crabgrass, dandelion, clover, chickweed and creeping charlie down to the root and gets results with 1 application
- Broadcast treatment for weeds: Won't harm lawn grasses when used as directed - use on lawn grasses including Bermudagrass, Buffalograss, Fescues, Kentucky Bluegrass, Ryegrass and Zoysiagrass
- Spray weed killer: Apply to weeds that are young and actively growing by connecting your garden hose to the sprayer, sliding the switch to "ON" and spraying evenly until the lawn is wet
- Ready to spray: This 32 oz. container of Ortho WeedClear Lawn Weed Killer Ready-to-Spray treats up to 5,000 sq. ft.
- KILLS WEEDS – NOT THE LAWN: When used as directed
- VISIBLE RESULTS IN 5 HOURS: Conquer unruly weeds and see visible results in as fast as 5 hours
- KILLS 470+ WEED TYPES AS LISTED: Kills broadleaf and grassy weeds including dandelion, chickweed and clover as well as crabgrass and yellow nutsedge – see product label for complete list of weed types
- KILLS THE ROOT: Kills weeds by contact down to the root
- READY-TO-USE FORMULA: No mixing required
- TACKLE MULTIPLE WEEDS: Wipe out over 50 types of annoying broadleaf weeds, including dandilions, poison ivy, and clover, all while keeping your lawn intact
- MORE POWER, LESS COST: Experience enhanced weed control with our specialized formula, which offers broader coverage than traditional solutions, all while requiring less product
- SAFE ON YOUR LAWN: Don't stress about harming your grass; This herbicide is safe on all labeled grass types, making it great for homes and sod farms alike
- NO-FUSS FORMULA: Forget about the hassle of mixing or strong smells; This weed killer mixes easily and has a barely-there scent, making lawn care a breeze
- CONVENIENT SIZE OPTIONS: Whether you've got a small patch or acres to cover, choose from 32 oz, 128 oz, or 320 oz options to suit your needs; PLEASE NOTE: 3-pack of disposable is included with purchase and weed sprayer is sold separately
- Visible results in hours - Reseed in just two weeks
- Covers from 14,000 to 18,000 square feet - perfect for large property owners
- Rapid and effective weed control for common and troublesome weed species in turfgrass
- Does not harm lawn grasses - Cool Weather Performance
- RESTRICTED: This product can NOT be shipped to the following states: AK, DC, MA, NJ,VT.
- Not for Sale to: AR, CO, CA, CT, DC, IL, LA, MA, ME, MI, MN, MT, NE, NJ, NM, RI, SD, TX, WA, WI, WY, AK, MA
- Fast Weed Control-Clover Control in as little as 1 week
- Visible activity in hours
- Effective, fast-acting cool-weather product
- ALL-IN-ONE FORMULA: BioAdvanced's All-in-One formula kills listed lawn weeds and crabgrass without harming the lawn
- KILLS TOUGH WEEDS: Control over 200 broadleaf weeds like dandelion, clover, and crabgrass using our powerful weed killer concentrate
- DOWN TO THE ROOT: BioAdvanced All-In-One Lawn Weed and Crabgrass Killer I penetrates and removes tough listed weeds down to the root
- RAINPROOF IN ONE HOUR: Our weed killer concentrate formula is rainproof in one hour, providing protection that wont wash away
- EASY-TO-USE CONCENTRATE: Easily apply with our concentrated formula, perfect for targeting weeds in your lawn, and compatible with various grass types
Your Guide to Choosing the Best Broadleaf Herbicide for Your Lawn
Tired of seeing those pesky dandelions and clover ruining your beautiful green lawn? Broadleaf herbicides are the answer! These special weed killers target unwanted, wide-leafed plants without harming your desirable grass. Choosing the right one can feel tricky, but this guide will help you pick the perfect product.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, check the label carefully. Certain features make one herbicide better than another for your specific needs.
1. Target Weeds Listed
- Check the label: Make sure the product lists the weeds you actually have. Common targets include clover, plantain, chickweed, and dandelions.
- Selective vs. Non-Selective: For lawns, you always want a selective herbicide. This means it only kills broadleaf weeds and leaves your grass (like fescue or bluegrass) alone.
2. Application Type
- Ready-to-Spray (RTS): These bottles come pre-mixed. You just attach them to your hose and spray. They are super easy for beginners.
- Concentrates: You mix these with water in a separate sprayer. Concentrates are often cheaper per gallon but require careful measuring.
3. Speed of Action
Some products work fast, showing results in hours. Others take several days. Decide if you want quick visual proof or if you are okay with waiting a bit longer.
Important Materials: Understanding the Ingredients
The active ingredients are what actually kill the weeds. Most effective lawn herbicides use a combination of chemicals to hit different types of weeds hard.
Common Active Ingredients
- 2,4-D: A very common ingredient that works well on many common weeds.
- Dicamba: Often paired with 2,4-D, this chemical moves through the weed easily.
- MCPP (Mecoprop): This ingredient helps control tougher, stubborn weeds.
Look for products that list at least two or three different active ingredients. This combination usually offers broader weed control.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of your herbicide depends on how well it works for you and your environment.
Factors That Improve Quality
- Rainfastness: This is how quickly the chemical sticks to the weed and won’t wash off if it rains soon after spraying. Look for products rated as “rainfast within one hour.”
- Temperature Range: Some herbicides work best only when the weather is warm (over 70°F). Better quality products often work well across a wider temperature range.
Factors That Reduce Quality
- Drift Potential: If the spray droplets are too fine, they can drift onto your neighbor’s flowers or your vegetable garden, which is bad. Higher quality sprays often have larger droplet sizes to reduce this risk.
- Grass Type Compatibility: Always check if the product is safe for your specific grass type. Using the wrong product on St. Augustine grass, for example, might actually harm your lawn.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the product matters just as much as what’s in the bottle.
Ease of Use
Beginners usually prefer Ready-to-Spray options because measuring mistakes are eliminated. Experienced users often prefer concentrates because they save money over time.
Best Use Cases
- Spot Treating: If you only have a few scattered weeds, use a smaller RTS bottle or a handheld pump sprayer with a concentrate mixture to target just those areas.
- Lawn Overhaul: If your entire lawn is overrun, a broadcast sprayer application using a concentrate will be the most efficient method.
Remember to always read the instructions about when to mow after application. Mowing too soon can reduce the product’s effectiveness.
Broadleaf Herbicide Buying FAQs
Q: When is the best time of year to apply broadleaf weed killer?
A: The best time is usually in the spring when weeds are actively growing, or in the early fall. Avoid applying when the lawn is stressed by extreme heat or drought.
Q: Will this kill my grass if I use it correctly?
A: No. If you buy a selective broadleaf herbicide and follow the directions exactly, it should only kill the weeds and leave your desirable lawn grass unharmed.
Q: How long until I can let my dog or kids play on the lawn after spraying?
A: This varies by product. Check the label for the “re-entry interval.” Usually, you wait until the lawn is completely dry, which might be a few hours.
Q: What is “systemic” action in a herbicide?
A: Systemic means the chemical is absorbed by the leaves and then travels down through the entire plant, killing the roots. This is much better than surface killers.
Q: Can I use broadleaf killer if I just seeded my lawn?
A: No. Wait until your grass has been mowed at least two or three times before applying any broadleaf herbicide. New grass is too delicate.
Q: Do I need to water my lawn before or after applying?
A: Most products work best on dry weeds. However, some labels suggest light watering a day before application to encourage the weeds to start growing actively.
Q: What happens if I accidentally spray too much chemical?
A: Overspray can injure your lawn, causing yellowing or burning in that spot. If this happens, water the area heavily right away to try and wash the excess chemical down into the soil.
Q: Why do some products cost much more than others?
A: Higher-priced products often contain newer, more effective combinations of active ingredients, better rainfastness, or are packaged in easier-to-use, ready-to-spray containers.
Q: Can I mix broadleaf herbicide with fertilizer?
A: Some products are sold as “Weed and Feed” combinations. If you are using separate products, always check the labels first. Mixing chemicals that are not meant to be mixed can cause damage.
Q: What should I do if the weeds don’t die after the first spray?
A: Wait about 10 to 14 days to see the full effect. If they are still alive, you can usually apply a second treatment, but be sure not to exceed the maximum number of applications listed on the product label for the season.