Is your beautiful green lawn being invaded by unwanted visitors like clover and dandelions? These broadleaf weeds can quickly take over, making your yard look messy and less enjoyable. It’s frustrating to see those pesky plants popping up everywhere, stealing nutrients from your grass. Trying to pick the perfect broadleaf weed killer can feel like a confusing puzzle. There are so many different kinds, and you worry about hurting your healthy grass or the environment.
Don’t let weeds win the battle for your backyard! This post is here to clear up the confusion. We will break down what makes a good broadleaf weed killer and explain the different types available. You will learn how to pick the right product for your specific weed problem and lawn type. Get ready to say goodbye to those pesky invaders and hello to a lush, green oasis!
Top Broadleaf Weed Killer 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: Use Ortho WeedClear Weed Killer for Lawns to kill over 250 listed weeds including dandelion and clover down to the root, without harming your lawn (when used as directed)
- Fast-acting weed control: Kills listed weeds like dandelion, clover, and chickweed down to the root and gets results with 1 application
- Spot treatment for weeds: Kills weeds not the lawn when used as directed - use on St. Augustinegrass (not Floratam), Bermudagrass, Centipedegrass, Zoysiagrass, Buffalograss, and Bahiagrass, Kentucky Bluegrass, Ryegrass, Tall Fescue, and Fine Fescue
- Spray weed killer: Apply this lawn weed killer to small, actively growing weeds when daytime temperatures are below 90°F
- 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
- 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
- KILLS WEEDS, NOT THE LAWN: Won’t harm lawns when used as directed – kills more than 200 types of weeds as listed
- CONTROLS ALL MAJOR BROADLEAF WEEDS: Controls dandelion, chickweed and clover (see product label for complete list)
- KILLS THE ROOT: See overnight results
- RAINPROOF: Rainfall or watering 6 hours after application will not wash away effectiveness
- Weed killer for lawns: Kill weeds including dandelion, dollarweed, chickweed, and clover without harming your lawn (when used as directed) with Ortho WeedClear Lawn Weed Killer Ready-To-Use1
- Fast-acting weed control: This weed control product kills over 250 listed weeds, including dandelion, clover, chickweed, creeping charlie, and dollarweed, and produces results in hours
- Spot treatment for weeds: Won't harm lawn grasses when used as directed - use on Bahiagrass, Bentgrass, Bermudagrass (hybrid and common), Buffalograss, Centipedegrass, Fescue, Kentucky Bluegrass, Zoysiagrass, and St. Augustinegrass (except Floratam)
- Spray weed killer: Apply this lawn weed killer to small, actively growing weeds when daytime temperatures are below 90°F
- Weed killer for lawns: Kill crabgrass, dandelion, clover and other listed common weeds in your lawn with Ortho WeedClear Lawn Weed Killer Ready-To-Use
- Fast-acting weed control: This weed control product kills like crabgrass, dandelion, clover, chickweed and creeping charlie down to the root and gets results with 1 application
- Spot 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 in the spring or fall; spray to lightly cover weed leaves
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Broadleaf Weed Killer
Tired of those pesky dandelions and clover ruining your beautiful lawn? Choosing the right broadleaf weed killer is key. This guide helps you pick the best product for a greener, healthier yard.
1. Key Features to Look For
When shopping, look for these important features. They tell you how well the product works and how safe it is.
Selective vs. Non-Selective
- Selective Weed Killers: These are usually what you want for your lawn. They target broadleaf weeds (like plantain, chickweed) but leave your grass unharmed.
- Non-Selective Weed Killers: These kill everything they touch, including your grass. Use these only on driveways or bare spots.
Speed of Action
Check how fast the product works. Some start killing weeds in hours, while others take several days. Faster action means you see results sooner.
Longevity (Residual Effect)
Some killers keep working in the soil for weeks, preventing new weeds from sprouting. Others only kill existing plants. Decide if you need long-term protection or just a quick fix.
2. Important Materials and Ingredients
The ingredients determine the power of your weed killer. You need to know what active chemicals are inside.
Common Active Ingredients
- 2,4-D, Dicamba, and MCPP (or MCPA): These are the most common and effective chemicals. They work by mimicking plant growth hormones, causing the broadleaf weeds to grow uncontrollably until they die.
- Concentrate vs. Ready-to-Use (RTU): Concentrates save money but require mixing with water. RTU products are convenient—just pour them into your sprayer—but they cost more per ounce.
Safety and Formulation
Look for products labeled “safe for lawns” if you have pets or children. Also, check if the product is a liquid spray or a granular form, which is spread on the dry lawn.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes one weed killer better than another? It often comes down to formulation and application conditions.
Improving Quality
- Surfactants: High-quality products often include a surfactant. This ingredient helps the liquid stick to the waxy leaves of the weed, so more chemical gets absorbed.
- Systemic Action: The best killers move throughout the entire plant, from the leaves down to the roots. This ensures the weed dies completely.
Reducing Quality (Things to Avoid)
- Temperature Sensitivity: Applying weed killer when it is too hot (usually over 85°F) can harm your grass, even if the product is selective. Always check the label’s temperature guidelines.
- Rain Forecast: If rain is coming soon after application, the product might wash away before it works. Check the forecast; most products need several hours of dry weather to be effective.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
How you plan to use the weed killer matters greatly for your experience.
Application Method
If you have a small yard, an RTU spray bottle is easy. For large areas, a concentrate mixed in a backpack sprayer saves time and effort. Granular products work well when spread evenly by a spreader.
Targeting Specific Weeds
Some weeds, like tough ground ivy or creeping Charlie, require stronger, specialized formulas. Make sure the label specifically lists the weeds you see most often in your yard.
A good user experience involves clear instructions and minimal cleanup. Always wear gloves and protective eyewear when mixing or spraying chemicals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Broadleaf Weed Killer
Q: How long should I wait before mowing my lawn after applying weed killer?
A: Most manufacturers recommend waiting at least two to three days after application before mowing. This allows the chemical enough time to travel down into the roots of the weed.
Q: Can I use broadleaf weed killer when my grass is wet?
A: Generally, no. You should apply most liquid broadleaf weed killers to dry weeds when rain is not expected for several hours. Wet leaves can dilute the product or cause it to run off before it soaks in.
Q: Will broadleaf weed killer kill my flowers or vegetable garden?
A: If you use a selective product designed for lawns, it should not harm established flowers or vegetables nearby unless the spray drifts onto them. Non-selective killers will definitely harm them.
Q: What is the best time of year to apply broadleaf weed killer?
A: Early spring and fall are the best times. Weeds are actively growing during these seasons, meaning they absorb the chemicals much better than they do in the heat of summer.
Q: How soon can my dog safely walk on the lawn after treatment?
A: This depends on the product. Wait until the product has completely dried on the grass blades. This might take a few hours. Always check the label for the specific re-entry time.
Q: Why do the weeds look worse before they look better?
A: This is normal for many systemic herbicides. The chemicals cause the weed to grow rapidly and twist as it tries to fight the growth regulators. After this initial surge, the weed turns yellow and dies.
Q: Does this product kill moss?
A: Most standard broadleaf weed killers target plants with distinct leaves and do not effectively control moss. You usually need a separate moss control product for that issue.
Q: Can I mix different weed killers together?
A: It is generally safest not to mix products unless the label specifically instructs you to do so. Mixing chemicals can sometimes create dangerous reactions or cancel out their effectiveness.
Q: What if the weed killer doesn’t work on some stubborn weeds?
A: Stubborn weeds often need a second application. Wait about two weeks after the first treatment, and if the weed is still alive, spot-treat it again. Ensure you are spraying when temperatures are ideal.
Q: Is granular or liquid application better for the average homeowner?
A: Liquid is often better for spot-treating individual weeds because you see exactly where you spray. Granular is better for broadcasting over the entire lawn for general weed prevention.
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