5 Best Broadleaf Weed Killer for Lawns Buying Guide and Review

Weeds are frustratingly tenacious, but with the best broadleaf weed killer for lawns, getting rid of them for good should be easy enough. However, many types of weeds can infest the yard and damage the lush grass, reducing the garden’s aesthetic value. One needs a potent weed killer that can handle most of them to keep a beautiful and pristine lawn.

Roundup Concentrate Plus Weed and Grass Killer - Includes...
  • Kills tough weeds and grasses to the root
  • Rainproof in 30 minutes
  • FastAct Technology - visible results in as fast as 9 hours

The Roundup Weed Killer Concentrate does the job of getting rid of pesky weeds efficiently. It’s an absolute destroyer that can destroy weeds right into the roots, preventing them from growing back again. The solution boasts high concentration that delivers fast results, visible 12 hours after the first application.

The fast-acting chemical can kill the toughest broadleaf weeds but is safe for humans and animals. It’s also safe for the ground, not causing soil pollution issues that can affect plant and grass growth. It’s highly potent for keeping pathways, hedges, and lawns pristine and healthy, away from distracting weeds.

best broadleaf weed killer for lawns

Best Broadleaf Weed Killer for Lawns Review:

Roundup Weed and Grass Killer Concentrate Plus

Roundup Concentrate Plus Weed and Grass Killer - Includes...
  • Kills tough weeds and grasses to the root
  • Rainproof in 30 minutes
  • FastAct Technology - visible results in as fast as 9 hours

Features:

  • Coverage area – up to 1,500 square feet
  • Active ingredient – glyphosate
  • Fast-Acting technology; results visible after 12 hours
  • Rainproof after 30 minutes
  • Kills weeds to the roots
  • For use in lawns, pathways, and hedges

What We Like

Broadleaf weeds are tricky to get rid of, but with the right weed killer like the Roundup Concentrate Plus, they are dead to the roots.

Unlike other herbicides that only dries out weeds, this one is an absolute weed destroyer. It’s highly concentrated with glyphosate as the primary ingredient, preventing broadleaf weeds from infesting the yard again.

A bottle of 16oz of Roundup Concentrate Plus is enough to make up to three gallons of weed-killing solution that can cover up to 1,500 square feet. It’s ideal for keeping pesky weeds from infesting a perfectly manicured medium-sized lawn.

Besides being highly effective, this herbicide also boasts FastActing technology. It delivers results after 12 hours and would kill even the toughest weeds in one to two weeks.

What’s even better is the solution becomes rainproof 30 minutes after application, making sure that no drop of the herbicide gets wasted. This weed killing solution is effective in fences, pathways, lawn preparation, and hedges.

Another impressive thing about it is it only targets weeds, so there are no elements that can harm the ground or cause pollution.

What Can Be Improved?

Because this solution is highly concentrated, it kills all plants that it comes into contact with, a disadvantage using it in gardens. It’s not ideal to use near vegetable gardens or where there are existing edibles.

Vacate nearby plants before applying this weed killer in the area or rinse untargeted plans that it comes into contact with to prevent destruction. Also, use the solution during a calm day to avoid droplets getting into nearby plants. Plus, Roundup is on the expensive side compared to other similar products.

Southern Ag Amine 2, 4-D Weed Killer

Southern Ag Amine 2,4-D WEED KILLER, 32oz - Quart
  • 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…

Features:

  • Coverage area – up to 1,000 square feet
  • Active ingredient – 2, 4-D
  • Controls many woody plants and broadleaf weeds
  • Visible results after three hours
  • Kills weeds 100% after three applications
  • Safe to use for lawn grasses
  • No soil action
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What We Like

Most herbicides are effective in killing weeds, but can also be as harmful to untargeted plants that come into contact with it. That wouldn’t be a problem when using Southern Ag 2, 24 D weed killer. It’s a selective weed control solution that only targets broadleaf weeds, keeping the lawn grass and nearby plants intact, no disruption to crops.

The most appealing about using this weed killing solution is its fast-acting results. Unwanted weeds start to wither three hours after the first application. The lawn and garden will be free of any pesky broadleaf weed within three applications of this 2, 4-D solution.

What’s even better is a 32oz Southern Ag bottle can last for an extended time as you only need one tablespoon of the weed killer for a gallon of water. This solution is already enough to cover up to 1,000 square feet with a single application.

Also, it has the advantage of being easily absorbed by the weeds, so there is no soil action. The plot will be ready for planting a few days after spraying the weed killer. It’s an ideal weed control solution for lawns, golf courses, parks, rangelands, and pastures.

It’s the best broadleaf weed killer for lawns that can destroy a wide range of weeds, including broadleaf, clover, poison ivy, dandelions, and chickweed.

What Can Be Improved?

The Southern Ag 2, 4-D is a potent yet gentle formulation that can get the job done. And while it can kill various weeds in the lawn, it can’t kill all weeds. It’s essential to check the label first to know what this solution is for before buying.

Gowan USA 51496 SedgeHammer

Sale
Gowan USA 51496 SedgeHammer, 13.5g - 5oz, White
3,209 Reviews
Gowan USA 51496 SedgeHammer, 13.5g - 5oz, White
  • CONTROLS NUTSEDGE - This product stops the growth of...
  • TOP SELLER - SedgeHammer is the number one selling nutsedge...
  • EASY TO USE - Simply mix the contents of this .5 ounce...

Features

  • Coverage area – 1,000 to 1,500 square feet
  • Selective post-emergent herbicide
  • Active ingredient – 75% Halosulfuron-Methyl
  • Controls purple and yellow nutsedge weeds, Kyllinga, and other broadleaf weeds
  • Safe to turfgrasses

What We Like

Nutsedge or nutgrass commonly infests yards during the summer, and they are well-known to come back in the yard year after year. Fortunately, there is the Gowan USA SedgeHammer that effectively destroys that pesky nutsedge in an otherwise pristine turf.

It’s a highly selective herbicide that only destroys the toughest nutgrass in the area, leaving turfgrasses and other plants alone. It’s safe to use around trees, garden ornamental, crops, and shrubs, killing only purple and yellow nutsedge.

Halosulfuron-methyl, the active ingredient in this solution, is a highly powerful herbicide that can destroy both yellow and purple nutgrass, including other broadleaf weeds. It can kill unwanted weeds like pokeweed, pigweed, radish, mustard, fleabane, and morning glory. SedgeHammer is a post-emergent herbicide, extremely useful for getting rid of established weeds in the garden.

What’s even better is it’s highly effective at its job no matter the weather, providing reliable results during both cold and hot seasons.

Most sedge killers need a surfactant, but this one only requires to get diluted in a gallon of water, then it can cover up to a 1,500 square feet yard. It’s also safe for humans and pets as soon as the solution dries. Plus, it doesn’t affect the underground, so there are no worries about polluting the soil.

What Can Be Improved?

The SedgeHammer is a highly effective solution for getting rid of many weed types in the garden. However, it doesn’t boast fast-acting technology like other herbicides. This solution takes time to show results, often going up to two weeks before weeds start to wither and die.

PBI/Gordon 652400 Speed Zone Lawn Weed Killer

Gordon’s SpeedZone Lawn Weed Killer, 20 Ounces, 652400
3,344 Reviews
Gordon’s SpeedZone Lawn Weed Killer, 20 Ounces, 652400
  • Visible results in hours - Reseed in just two weeks
  • Covers from 14,000 to 18,000 square feet - perfect for large...
  • Rapid and effective weed control for common and troublesome...

Features:

  • Coverage area – 14,000 to 18,000 square feet
  • Rapid effect; visible results in a couple of hours
  • Four active ingredients (primary: 2, 4-D)
  • Weedkiller for creeping Charlie, ground Ivy, clover, and dandelions
  • Fast results after one to two weeks
  • Reseed after two weeks
  • Cool-weather performance
  • Doesn’t harm lawn grasses
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What We Like

PBI/Gordon’s Speed Zone Lawn Weed Killer is a superb option to touch-up a turf already infested by pesky weeds. It offers an impressively powerful solution that can start killing weeds a couple of hours after the first application. The lawn should be free of unwanted weeds and grass after one to two weeks, depending on how dense they are.

This fast-acting selective weed killer destroys many types of weeds, including garlic, creeping Charlie, wild violet, and other broadleaf weeds. This solution’s impressive weed killing performance is thanks to its four active ingredients to make a highly concentrated and effective product.

However, it’s a highly selective herbicide that can effectively destroy weeds but keep the turf intact, along with the crops and plants nearby.

With its high concentration, a 20oz of the Speed Zone pack can make up to 20 gallons of weed-killing solution. It can cover a 14,000 to 18,000 square feet area, ideal for average and large-sized lawns. And while it’s more difficult to kill weeds during cold months, this solution boasts excellent cold-weather performance.

It’s also the best broadleaf weed killer for lawns that only targets weed leaves, so there’s no reason to worry about getting the ground or soil polluted. The yard will be ready to reseed and plant after two weeks, once the weeds are 100% out of the way.

What Can Be Improved?

The PBI/Gordon’s Speed Zone is an effective way to kill weeds quickly and effectively for healthier and pristine turf.

However, using this product comes with a couple of warnings, as it isn’t ideal for use in all lawn types. Besides weed, this solution can also destroy other grass types like buffalo grass and St.Augustine grass.

Preen 2164126 Garden Weed Preventer + Plant Food

No products found.

Features:

  • Coverage area – up to 2560 square feet
  • Coverage period – up to three months per application
  • 2-in-1 function – weed killer and plant food
  • Active ingredient – trifluralin
  • Pre-emergent weed killer
  • Safe to use around more than 200 flowers, shrubs, vegetables, and tree species
  • Improves root development
  • Promotes abundant blooms
  • Okay to use anytime in fall, summer, and spring

What We Like

Preen is an established, trusted, and reliable brand in terms of products to keep the garden and turf pristine and healthy. This weed preventer and plant food, in particular, gives the best of both worlds. It can eliminate unwanted weeds in the lawn and improve the ground quality in time for the next planting season.

It’s a pre-emergent herbicide, which means it takes care of the weed problems even before they start to infest the garden. It’s also one of the most versatile weed killers, capable of destroying a wide range of grassy weeds and 27 types of broadleaf weeds, including chickweed and carpetweed.

Although it’s a highly concentrated solution that can kill weeds in no time, it’s safe to use around more than 200 established plants, trees, shrubs, and flowers. A 16-pound pack of this weed killer and plant food can cover more expansive yards up to 2,560 square feet. What’s even better is it guarantees a weed-free lawn for up to three months.

What Can Be Improved?

The Preen Weed Preventer + Plant Food is an effective solution that does its intended job but at a high price. It’s one of the pricier herbicides, especially compared to other products in this review.

As it is a pre-emergent herbicide, this weed killer will only work best as a preventive measure. It won’t be as effective in destroying weeds that already infested the lawn.

Types of Weed Killer for Lawns

Before buying the best broadleaf weed killer for lawns, it’s essential to find out how herbicides work. There are two primary types of weed killers in the local store or online, and they deal with weed problems in a different manner.

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Pre-Emergent Weed Killer

Pre-emergent herbicides work in preventing weeds from growing in the yard. They provide solutions even before weeds start causing turf problems, an effective preventive measure for healthier turf.

This type of herbicide kills weeds by releasing enzymes that can suppress root development, targeting a select range of weeds. Pre-emergent herbicides are ideal for preventing the growth of annual weeds like Barnyard grass, Knotweed, Spurge, Foxtails, Purslane, and Crabgrass.

Pre-emergent weed killers are potent, but only if you apply them at the right time, which is usually early spring before weeds start growing. Otherwise, the solution will most likely fail, and they can’t control existing weeds.

Post-Emergent Weed Killer

Post-emergent weed killers work when pre-emergent herbicides are no longer useful. They are ideal for use on lawn areas with existing weeds, and you can apply this herbicide at any time that weeds are visible.

This herbicide comes in two types: selective and non-selective post-emergent weed killers.

Selective weed killers can get rid of a range of broadleaf and grassy weeds without harming the turf. They are safe to use in most yards and won’t kill most lawn grasses, shrubs, trees, vegetables, and other plants.

Meanwhile, non-selective weed killers will destroy everything that comes in contact with it, including ornamental plants. It’s essential to vacate plants and vegetables away from the infested lawn before applying this herbicide.

Both types effectively eliminate existing weeds, although they can’t prevent new weeds from growing, no matter how powerful they are.

Types of Weed Killer for Lawns
Source: Garden Seeker

Factors to Look for in Broadleaf Weed Killers

Not all weed killers are suitable for all types of weeds, and other yard features can affect the ideal herbicide.

Before buying an herbicide, consider these factors that make the best broadleaf weed killer for lawns for the existing weed problem.

Types of Weeds

Some herbicides can get rid of specific types of weeds than others. Start by choosing the ideal weed killer, depending on the weed species infesting the garden.

Annual weeds are the easiest to get rid of, and most ordinary herbicides can handle them. Meanwhile, perennial weeds are the most challenging to destroy and need robust chemical solutions to kill them.

Selectivity

Another critical consideration is the weed killer’s selectivity. An ideal herbicide should effectively kill weeds without harming the turf or nearby plants unless that is its purpose.

However, it’s challenging to spray herbicide on some perennial weeds without the liquid going over the surrounding plants. There should be extra caution applied when this is the case.

Coverage

There are different ways to apply herbicides to pesky weeds in the garden. The most common is diluting a weed killer solution with water and spraying it into affected areas.

A weed killer’s coverage will usually depend on how concentrated the chemical is and not based on the pack’s size. Herbicides should include its estimated range, then use that as a guide on how much to buy depending on the lawn’s size.

Area of Use

There are many types of weeds growing in different places, depending on prevailing soil or weather conditions. Some have deep and dense roots, while others have shallow roots. Other weeds will grow at the lawn center while others are around plants, shrubs, and trees.

Before buying an herbicide, consider the intended area of use. There are weed killers that only target specific weed types, while others are harmful to vegetation and animals.

Residual Effects

Getting rid of those pesky weeds doesn’t have to be at the expense of healthy soil. The best broadleaf weed killer for lawns shouldn’t negatively impact the soil’s capacity to grow healthy plants.

Visible Results

Some weed killers are slow performing while others can get rid of weeds in a couple of hours. The time that an herbicide takes to destroy the weeds in the yard doesn’t define its effectiveness. This factor will only depend on personal preference, whether you have a tight timeline to get the lawn restored or not.

Conclusion

The Roundup Concentrate Plus is an effective weed killer that delivers impressive results overnight. It’s a potent mix that can destroy even the toughest weeds right to the roots.

However, no single herbicide is ideal for all lawn types or weed species. Ultimately, choosing the best broadleaf weed killer for lawns will depend on what weed types are infesting the garden.

Last update on 2024-03-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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Jill Sandy

I am a sustainable focus gardener. I love decorating my home backyard with beautiful landscape design and creative garden care techniques I develop myself.