When broadleaf weeds invade your lawn, they distort its look. They also take away direct sunlight, water, and nutrients that your grass could have used.
If you have tried, you may have realized that getting rid of these plants is not easy. The perennial varieties are even the most challenging to eliminate because they have a higher reproductive potential.
Some of the hard-to-control weeds include dandelions, clovers, and chickweed. Luckily, you can use different methods to get rid of broadleaf weeds from your lawn.
You can start with a broadcast weed killer, pull the plants by hand, or use feed products to remove them.
How to get rid of broadleaf weeds
The best way of getting rid of broadleaf weeds is to use a herbicide. Broadleaf herbicides can either be granules or liquids.
Before using them, ensure to read the label for directions. Here is what to do:
- Buy a herbicide formulated to get rid of broadleaf grass and weeds. Consider using 2,4-D, 2,4-DP, MCPP, or dicamba.
- Spray the herbicide on the leaves or sprinkle the granules on the grass as directed by the manufacturer.
- Maintain your lawn to encourage it to grow and prevent the growth of broadleaf weeds.
When spraying or spreading the chemical, do it at least 24 hours before it rains. Also, avoid watering in the herbicide unless directed by the manufacturer.
What is the best time to spray broadleaf weeds?
The best time to treat your lawn and get rid of broadleaf weeds is from mid-September to early November.
If your turf has perennial weeds, spray the chemical in the fall. During the fall, the plants begin to transport food from their foliage to the roots as they prepare for winter.
Once you spray the chemical in the fall, the foliage will absorb the herbicide and transport them to the root. As a result, it will destroy the weeds, along with the carbohydrates.
Avoid applying the weed killer in the spring because it is less effective.
How to get rid of broadleaf weeds naturally
Here is how you can get rid of broadleaf weeds naturally:
1. Use a mixture of salt, vinegar, and dish soap
Vinegar contains acetic acid, and salt has sodium chloride. When mixed, they draw moisture from weeds.
Dish soap will work as a surfactant. It will reduce the surface tension that will cause the mixture to bead on the leaves instead of the plant absorbing it.
You will only need a gallon of white vinegar, a cup of table salt, and a tablespoon of dishwashing soap. Mix the ingredients and spray directly on the weeds.
The best time to use this method is during a warm sunny day.
2. Digging and pulling
Digging and pulling out the weeds helps to ensure you get all the roots out.
This method works best when dealing with perennial weeds that spread and re-grow from the roots left behind. You can use hand tools or stand-up weeders to finish the job.
3. Maintaining a healthy lawn
Maintaining a healthy and thick lawn will suffocate unwanted plants. Also, consider mulching because it prevents weeds from reseeding.
You can use different mulches like wood chips, bean shells, leaves, or bark chips.
Herbicides that eliminate broadleaf weeds
The best herbicides that can eliminate broadleaf weeds are those made from chemicals like triclopyr, dicamba, MCPP, and 2,4-D.
The best products are:
1. Southern Ag Amine 2,4-D Weed Killer
Southern Ag Amine 2,4-D Weed Killer is a selective weed control herbicide. It controls broadleaf weeds and woody plants from invading your lawn.
You can use it to control broadleaf weeds in turf, pastures, rangeland, ditch banks, and fences.
It is available in liquid form, which you must spray with a fan-type nozzle. You can find it here on Amazon.
2. Trimec Classic Broadleaf Herbicide
Trimec Classic Broadleaf Herbicide is a post-emergent herbicide for broadleaf weed control. It can protect your garden or lawn from invasion by unwanted plants.
The product works well in cold and warm seasons to eliminate dandelions, plantain, and clover. You can find it at Amazon.
3. Ortho Weed B Gon
Ortho Weed B Gon is a herbicide that contains triclopyr as an active ingredient. It can remove chickweed, clover, and oxalis from your lawn.
The product will kill weeds from the root to prevent their re-growth. You can apply it when weeds are actively growing. Ortho Weed B Gon can be ordered online.
You can get rid of broadleaf weeds by using a broadleaf weed killer. The best herbicides to use are those made from chemicals like triclopyr, dicamba, MCPP, and 2,4-D.
If you want a natural method, use a mixture of vinegar, salt, and dishwashing soap. When treating your lawn, ensure it is a warm, sunny day and that it will not rain for the next 24 hours.
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IW’s Chief Editor and a lover of green spaces.