Weeds can be a nuisance in any garden or lawn, and broadleaf weeds, in particular, can be tough to control. These weeds have leaves that are wider than grass leaves, making it difficult to eliminate them without damaging the surrounding grass. According to a study by the Weed Science Society of America, broadleaf weeds account for over 50% of weed infestations in lawns.
There are effective broadleaf weed killers available that can help keep your lawn looking healthy and weed-free. In this article, we will be exploring some of the best broadleaf weed killers on the market, based on research and expert recommendations.
A Quick Glance at Our 5 Best Broadleaf Weed Killers
IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | PRICE |
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EDITORS CHOICE
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Compare-N-Save 2-4-D Amine Broadleaf Weed Killer |
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EDITORS CHOICE
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Southern Ag Amine 2,4-D WEED KILLER |
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TOP CHOICE
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ANDERSONS, THE Barricade 50 lb. Bag |
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BEST VALUE
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GreenView Weed & Feed |
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TOP CHOICE
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PBI-Gordon Trimec Classic Broadleaf Herbicide |
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Compare-N-Save 2-4-D Amine Broadleaf Weed Killer
Specifications
- Active Ingredient: 2-4-D Amine
- Coverage Area: 1 gallon of concentrate can cover up to 43560 sq. ft.
- Kills over 150 types of broadleaf weeds
- Use for crop and non-crop area
Pros
- Effective in killing broadleaf weeds without harming desirable plants
- Helpful in controlling aquatic weed and trees
- Affordable compared to other weed killers on the market
Cons
- Not recommended to use new turf
- Not recommended for St. Augustine and centipede grass
Compare-N-Save 2-4-D Amine Broadleaf Weed Killer is a powerful herbicide that targets broadleaf weeds such as dandelions, clover, and chickweed. The active ingredient, 2-4-D Amine, is a selective weed killer that will not harm your lawn or other desirable plants when used as directed. This product comes in a concentrate form, which allows you to mix it with water for a customized application.
One of the standout features of Compare-N-Save 2-4-D Amine Broadleaf Weed Killer is its effectiveness. Many customers have reported noticeable results within a few days of application. The product is easy to use, and the instructions are clear and straight forward. It is also relatively affordable compared to other weed killers on the market.
However, it’s important to note that this product should be used with caution. As with any herbicide, it can be harmful if ingested or if it comes into contact with skin or eyes. It is recommended to wear protective clothing and gloves when applying the product and to keep children and pets away from the treated area until it has dried.
How to Use this Product?
Simply mix with water and concentrate in your sprayer according to the label guidelines to ensure the coverage of the area. 2.0 tablespoons are enough to cover 1000 sq. ft. of area. Apply 0.5 gallons of product per acre.
Do not use it on the new lawn until the grass establish. And do not apply twice a year. Read the product guidelines for the best results.
Southern Ag Amine 2,4-D WEED KILLER
Specifications
- Post and pre-emergent herbicide
- Selective broadleaf weed control
- Economical use rate
- Easy to apply
Pros
- Kills over 150 types of broadleaf weeds and woody plants
- Fast results
- Economical way to get rid of weeds and brushes
Cons
- Avoid drifting to desirable plants and flowers
- Take safety precautions during application
Southern Ag Amine 2,4-D WEED KILLER is a herbicide designed to control broadleaf weeds in lawns, pastures, and other non-crop areas. The active ingredient, 2,4-D Amine, targets weeds such as dandelions, clover, and thistle without harming desirable plants when used as directed. This product comes in a concentrated form, which allows for easy mixing with water and a customized application.
One of the strengths of this amazing product is its versatility. It can be used in a variety of settings, including residential lawns, golf courses, and agricultural fields. It is also highly effective in controlling targeted weeds, and users report visible results in a short amount of time.
Another benefit of this product is its affordability. Southern Ag Amine is competitively priced compared to other herbicides on the market, making it an excellent choice for those on a budget. The concentrate form also allows for a high coverage area, with one gallon treating up to 4 acres.
Instructions to Use This Product?
Apply the product with fan type nozzle as a coarse low-pressure spray to minimize drift. 3 tablespoons of product in a 3 to 5 gallons of water is enough to cover 1,000 sq. ft. of area. Spray to precisely acquire specified coverage without overlap.
However, it is important to note that this product should be used with caution. As with any herbicide, it can be harmful if ingested or if it comes into contact with skin or eyes. It is recommended to wear protective clothing and gloves when applying the product and to keep children and pets away from the treated area until it has dried.
ANDERSONS Barricade: Best Pre-emergent Broadleaf Weed Killer
Specifications
- Best pre-emergent broadleaf weed killer
- More particle per square inch of chemical
- Dispersing granule technology
- Contains 0.48% of active ingredients prodiamine
Pros
- Kills over 30 types of broadleaf weeds and grass
- Won’t harm desired plants during application
- Easy to apply
Cons
- Not recommended to kill existing weeds
- Take safety precautions during application
ANDERSONS Barricade is a pre-emergent herbicide that prevents the growth of annual grasses and certain broadleaf weeds in lawns and landscapes. The active ingredient, prodiamine, creates a barrier that prevents weed seeds from germinating and growing. This product is available in both granular and liquid form, allowing for easy application.
Put the product in a spreader. Way back and forth spread the granules equally. And prevent the granules to drift to walkways, driveways, and sidewalks. And sweep back the particles that drift back into the yard. One bag covers an area from 7,000 sq. ft. to 14,200 sq. ft. of area.
The best pre-emergent broadleaf weed and grass killer controls crabgrass, goosegrass, chickweed, poa annua, knotweed, henbit, and oxalis. And do not harm your lawn during or after the application.
The product is safe to use on both warm-season and cool-season types of grass such as Bermuda grass, fescue, st. Augustine and centipede grass.
In spring apply this product when the temperature reaches 55 degrees and in fall when the temperature is below 50 degrees before the ground freeze.
Best Weed and Feed for Broadleaf Weed: GreenView Weed & Feed
Specifications
- Kills over 250 types of weeds
- Promotes thick green lawn
- Protect against heat and drought resistant
- NPK 27-0-4
Pros
- Feed the lawn for up to 8 weeks
- Helps in protecting waterways
- Not harm the lawn
- Guarantee results
Cons
- Not recommended for Floratam St. Augustine, carpet grass, dichondra
GreenView weed and feed control more than 250 types of weeds including dandelion, clover, plantain, henbit, dollarweed, and thistledown to the root. And slow-release nitrogen feeds your lawn for up to 8 weeks and protects against heat and drought resistance.
We personally used GreenView Weed & Feed on my own lawn and have been blown away by its effectiveness. Not only did it get rid of pesky weeds, but it also made my lawn noticeably greener and healthier. It’s no wonder GreenView is a trusted brand in the lawn care industry.
Applying GreenView Weed & Feed is a breeze. The product comes in a granular form, making it easy to spread with a spreader. Simply measure out the recommended amount for your lawn size and walk behind your spreader to distribute the product evenly.
Apply during a sunny day when the air is calm and the lawn is moist. So that the granule particles stick to the weeds. And water the lawn after two days of application. The zero phosphates protect the waterways from unsafe runoff.
The broadleaf weed and feed is used on established lawn types for cool-season grass as well as warm-season grass. One bag covers up to 5,000 sq. ft. of area.
PBI-Gordon Trimec: Best Post-emergent Broadleaf Weed Killer
Specifications
- Best post-emergent broadleaf weed killer
- Good for cold and warm grass
- Weed free, healthy lawn
- Low order formulation
Pros
- Controls more than 90 broadleaf weeds
- Easy to apply
- Low cost per acre
- Don’t harm most of the turf
Cons
- High price
PBI-Gordon Trimec is an herbicide designed for lawn and turf care. It controls over 90 broadleaf weeds, including dandelions, clovers, and chickweed, without harming the grass. The product comes in a concentrated formula that can be mixed with water and applied using a sprayer. It is easy to use and can cover up to 16,000 square feet with one gallon.
This herbicide is a great option for those looking to keep their lawns healthy and weed-free. The concentrated formula makes it economical, as a little goes a long way. It is also effective, with many users reporting visible results within a week of application. The fact that it does not harm grass is a major advantage, as it ensures that the lawn remains healthy and green.
One downside of PBI-Gordon Trimec is that it may not be effective against all types of weeds. Some users have reported that it did not work on tough weeds such as thistle and ivy. Additionally, it should be used with caution around trees and shrubs, as it can harm them if applied too close. Overall, PBI-Gordon Trimec is a reliable and cost-effective solution for lawn and turf care.
The post-emergent broadleaf weed killer is ideal for use in golf courses, sports turf, and residential lawn and non-crop areas. You can apply the product in fescue, Bermuda grass, ryegrass, Bahia grass, and bluegrass.
Due to the synergic action of its components, the cost per acre is low compared to other herbicides in the market. The application is effective for hard-to-kill weeds and does not require repeated applications.
Best Broadleaf Weed Killer Buyer’s Guide
Applying the best broadleaf weed killer will make your lawn renovation easy. And the buying guide will help you in selecting the best broadleaf weed killer for your lawn and garden.
Things We Consider When Choosing The Best Broadleaf Weed Killer
Some factors that you should consider while purchasing a good quality broadleaf herbicide:
Identify the Broadleaf Weeds
The first step in controlling broadleaf weeds in turf is to properly identify them. Identification is important because in many cases there is a preferred herbicide that has better activity against a particular weed. Because broadleaf weeds look similar to other species.
Manufacturer
You should check out top-rated and popular manufacturers who have specialized in making pesticides and fertilizers. They have had a good experience in delivering high-quality pesticides for years. You can check out reviews about the manufacturers to have an idea about their products.
Composition
Beware of the ingredients used in a broadleaf herbicide as some of them are dangerous and can be hazardous to your pets, humans as well as the environment. Avoid buying a product that contains more amount of glyphosate as it is an active ingredient that might harm the environment. Instead opt for those weed killers which contain organic composition as they are safer to use on your lawns and low risk to birds, bees, and aquatic life.
Weed Type
Do you want to control one single weed or many weeds from your garden? It totally depends upon you but before making any final decision about purchasing a broadleaf weed killer make sure that the ingredients are capable of controlling the weed you are planning to eliminate. Some chemicals can also control dandelions, clovers, and other broadleaves simultaneously.
Application
Application is an important part of buying a good quality broadleaf weed killer. Usually, these pesticides use with a sprayer or spreader. So, that they become easier for home users to apply them to any desired location without making any mess. If possible go for those products which have a long shelf life so even if you don’t plan to use them frequently. There should be no chance of chemical degradation after opening the container.
Related article: Best Weed and Feed For Lawn
Post-emergent Broadleaf Weed Control
In most cases, the best control strategy for perennial broadleaf weeds is to apply post-emergence broadleaf herbicides in the fall. When air temperatures are in the 40s and 50s and soil temperatures are in the 50s and 60s.
There are several advantages to this but the most significant is that the herbicide is more likely to translocate throughout the root system. Resulting in complete control with springtime applications.
It is more common to see temporary suppression of the top growth. With regrowth of the weed occurring within about 60 to 90 days.
Another benefit of fall-time applications is that landscape plants are less likely to be injured. Most of the herbicides that we use to control broadleaf weeds and turf are quite phytotoxic to ornamental plants particularly if applied in the spring when the plant is leafing out properly timed.
When controlling perennial broadleaf weeds in the fall it is very important to choose the right formulation of the herbicide.
Durability
Most broadleaf herbicides are designed in such a way that they provide quick results within hours or days only but no one guarantees their long-term control. So make sure to buy a product that controls the weed for at least 2 months with less or no effort.
Price
Price is another factor that comes into play while purchasing a broadleaf herbicide as it varies from one product to another depending upon its composition and effectiveness. Go for those products which can be easily afforded by your budget and provide good results within a reasonable price range.
Precautions
Most manufacturers provide precautions with their products but still, you should consider taking care of a few things like keeping all pets and humans away from the treated lawns, avoiding contact with soil and plant materials after spray application, and keeping children off sprayed areas until the chemical completely dries up on the grass.
Mow Your Lawn
Mow your lawn for a proper height range. In summer, keep your lawn at the higher end of the range to prevent burnout. This helps the grass to remain stronger and more likely to choke out the broadleaf weeds.
Tips and Warning
Choose the herbicide that is specially formulated to kill broadleaf weeds in lawns and gardens. The best time to apply the herbicide is when broadleaf weeds are actively growing on a sunny day when no rain is expected within 24 hours.
Some hard-to-kill weeds require another application. See the product labels for the best time to apply the second application.
Make sure not to apply other products to kill broadleaf weeds that are not specified to kill such weeds.
FAQs
How to Apply the Broadleaf Weed Killer?
The best broadleaf weed killers are present in granular and liquid forms. And how to apply it depends on the type of broadleaf weed killer. You can apply it with a spreader or sprayer depending on the type.
1: Granular Broadleaf Weed Killer
Granular application is best when you want to treat your whole lawn and entire pasture. For a granular weed, you need a spreader.
A variety of spreaders is available in the market. If you want to treat a small area of lawn then the hand held spreader is best. And for a large area, you need a wheeled spreader.
2: Liquid Broadleaf Weed Killer
Liquid weed killers are of two types. One is a concentrate that needs to mix with water and apply using a sprayer. Read the product label for how much of the concentrate you have to use.
The second is a ready spray that has a nozzle. You need to attach it to the garden hose. Turn on the water and start spraying the weeds.
Are Broadleaf Weed Killers Safe for Pets & Kids?
Keep pets, and kids, out of the area during the application until it dried. Also prevents pets and kids to swallow the herbicides.
Wear glasses, gloves, and pens during the application to prevent eye irritation.
Conclusion
Now you have quite enough information about selecting the best broadleaf weed killer and how to get rid of broadleaf weeds in your yard.
Compare-N-Save is the best formula to kill all types of broadleaf weeds and brushes. But if you want to kill broadleaf weeds before they mature then Anderson-The Barricade is the best option.
For controlling post-emergent broadleaf weeds, PBI Gordon Trimec is the best product for your yard.
Reference
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7590518/
https://scialert.net/abstract/?doi=ja.2018.11.17
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/17429140601015226
Jon Dunn
Jon Dunn has 12 years of experience as a seed and fertilizer specialist at the North Carolina Department have been immensely rewarding, and he looks forward to continuing to contribute to Lawnscanner. Read more