The 8 Best Broadleaf Weed Killer and Herbicide Review Guide

Not sure which best broadleaf weed killer to buy? We have created this review and buying guide just for you!

Pesky yet persistent, broadleaf weeds can invade your lawn and garden nefariously. They are hard to ignore and ruin the aesthetics of your space. While they tend to grow stubbornly in almost every crevice, they also steal the nutrients from healthy plants in your garden. If you’re overwhelmed by a similar situation, your best bet would be to get the best broadleaf weed killer.

The best broadleaf weed killer targets aggressive weeds, deals with their resurgence, and reduces mass multiplication. Weed killers have a long-lasting impact by tackling the problem from the root level for a pristine and healthy lawn. With the right product and adequate usage, it’s time to put an end to invaders in your garden!

---

OUR FAVORITES

The 8 Best Broadleaf Weed Killers

The abundance of products and chemicals in the marketplace can leave one feeling confused and overwhelmed. To save you from this hassle, we’ve compiled an in-depth review of the eight best broadleaf weed killers dominating the market. Dive in to familiarize yourself with each product’s highlighting features, performance, value for money, and popularity.

1. Compare-N-Save Broadleaf Weed Killer – Top Pick

[lasso ref=”compare-n-save-2-4-d-amine-broadleaf-killer” id=”2467″ link_id=”5165″]

The Compare-N-Save is undoubtedly one of the best broadleaf weed killers in the market. With its ability to cover up to 43,280 sq. ft. area, it can control over 150 listed weeds. It frees your garden of any pesky invaders.

This herbicide contains 2-4-D amine salt, a synthetic auxin that kills the entire root of the weed. This maximizes the effectiveness of killing tough broadleaf weeds like dandelions, plantain, ground ivy, chickweed, thistles, wild garlic, stinging nettle, cocklebur, etc.

Item weight: 2.25 pounds

Liquid volume: 32 Fluid Ounces

Type: Post-Emergent

Total Area Coverage: 43,280 square feet

The Compare-N-Save herbicide is one of a kind because it works wonders in crop fields of soybeans, corn, and small grains. However, it is a selective chenille that won’t ruin the rest of your grass so that you can get rid of unwanted weeds without any stress. Moreover, it targets already existing weeds, so feel free to use it anytime you see trespassers in your garden.

Pros

• Visibile results in as little as 2-4 days
• Non-toxic formula
• Maximal coverage area of 43,280 square feet
• Suitable for aquatic weed control
• High value for money
• Portable
• Easy to use by diluting with water

2. Alligare Herbicide Broadleaf Weed Killer – Runner Up Broadleaf Weed Killer 

[lasso ref=”alligare-24-d-amine-herbicide-2-5-gallon-broadleaf-weed-killer” id=”4743″ link_id=”5166″]

Consisting of a 46.8% 2-4-D amine solution, this solution is potent enough to eradicate the most stubborn weeds in your lawn.

Just spray the weed killer on the lawn and watch all the weed die out. The fast-acting active ingredients deliver quick results when diluted with water and kill the entire weed from the root level. Furthermore, it is a concentrated solution that promises longevity and can cover large areas too.

Item Weight: 28 pounds

Liquid Volume: 2.5 gallons

Type: Post-Emergent

Total Area Coverage: 87,120 square feet (2 acres)

Although the strong chemicals are miraculous for a long list of stubborn weeds, you need to consider the cons. Alligare herbicide is extremely rich in chemicals that may be toxic to the environment and cause contamination if mixed with water sources.

Pros

• Highly concentrated for pesky weeds
• Wide use in golf courses, pasture, forests, lawns, industrial sites
• Destroy weeds as a systemic herbicide
• Amazing results in a single application
• Large quantity and long-lasting

3. Monterey LG 5512 Turflon Ester Specialty Herbicide – Best Budget-Friendly

[lasso ref=”monterey-lg-5512-turflon-ester-specialty-herbicide-concentrate-broadleaf-weed-killer-for-lawns-8-oz” id=”4744″ link_id=”5167″]

We love how this herbicide has extensive coverage of up to 10,000 sq. ft. per 8-ounce bottle.

Monterey is highly economical for homeowners and passionate gardeners. It is a post-emergent spray that battles existing weeds and removes them from the soil. Since the formula is concentrated with 61.6% active ingredient triclopyr, it requires dilution for efficient spraying.

Liquid Volume: 8 ounces

Item Weight: 6.26 pounds

Type: Post-Emergent

Total Area Coverage: 10,000 square feet per half pint

Its capability of killing broadleaf weeds other than grass makes it a top pick. The only drawback is that the Turflon Ester is incompatible with warm-season grasses like Bermuda. But it works well on cool-season turfs like Rye, Fescue, and Bluegrass.

Pros

• Economical and best for budget
• Maximum coverage of 10,000 sq. ft with ½ pint bottle
• Simple and easy diluting process
• Targets a vast majority of common broadleaf weeds

4. Speed Zone Broadleaf Herbicide – Best For Quick Results

[lasso ref=”speed-zone-broadleaf-herbicide-for-turf-1-gallon-jug” id=”4745″ link_id=”5168″]

Applying the herbicide in spring up to fall will yield satisfactory results. The manufacturers have packaged it as a 1-gallon bottle, and it works as a post-emergent herbicide.

Buyers have appreciated the advanced protective ability of this weed killer from clover, plantain, ground ivy, and spurge. With a unique mechanism of inhibiting an enzyme involved in chlorophyll production, weed death occurs rapidly. This process guarantees an extended and immediate result as compared to other herbicides.

Liquid Volume: 1 gallon

Item Weight: 9.41 pounds

Type: Post-Emergent

Total Area Coverage: Upto 171,000 square feet

This broadleaf weed killer is resistant to rain wash after 3-4 hours and is little affected by weather interference. The 1-gallon solution can cover a whopping 71,000 – 171,000 sq. ft. approximately, so it’s bound to last a pretty long time. With Speed Zone, you can reseed in 2 weeks. The low odor formulation is another plus point and has good ecological properties.

Pros

• Quick results within hours in cool weather
• Targets variety of broadleaf weeds in warm and cool-season turf
• Rain fast in 3-4 hours
• Vast area coverage
• Portable and easy to carry around

5. Blindside Herbicide Broadleaf Weed Killer – Best Weed Growth Prevention

[lasso ref=”blindside-herbicide-wdg-8-oz-post-emergent-broadleaf-weed-killer” id=”4746″ link_id=”5169″]

This solution has gained popularity as it reigns over 70 broadleaf species by skillfully working as a systemic herbicide.

Beginning from the roots, it works its way up by foliar contact, thus destroying the entire weed with uncanny results. Resilient species like dollarweed, dove weed, and buttonweed don’t stand a chance against it.

Yet the distinguishing feature of this weed killer is its unique action that prevents successive germinations in the future. After application, the herbicide remains in the soil and drastically reduces weed growth for upcoming seasons.

Blindside Herbicide has a broad spectrum of activity ranging from residential, commercial, industrial lawns to golf courses and fields.

Liquid Volume: 0.5 pounds

Item Weight: 9.6 ounces

Type: Post-Emergent

Total Area coverage: 1000 square feet

Advertising professionalism, speed, efficacy, and flexibility, Blindside is highly-selective and causes no harm to surrounding plants and grass. Marketed as 0.5lb packages, the herbicide is sufficient for a 50,000 square feet space.

Pros

• Kills over 70 challenging broadleaf weeds
• Reduces germination in future seasons
• Approved for warm- and cold- season turfs
• Convenient packaging and usage
• Covers 50,000 sq ft lawn space

6. Fertilome Broadleaf Weed Control – Best Pre-Emergent Herbicide

[lasso ref=”fertilome-10885-broadleaf-weed-control-with-gallery-10-lbs” id=”4747″ link_id=”5170″]

Common herbicide targets are chickweed, clover, dandelion, spurge, oxalis, and henbit. It also suppresses annuals like bluegrass and crabgrass in cool- and warm-season turfs. It is important to remember that pre-emergent herbicides must be applied at a particular time for successful results.

Applying this weed killer before the germination will work wonders, and you’ll never see a speck of broadleaf in your garden. Late summer, fall, or early spring are suitable times depending on the weed species.

Liquid Volume: 10 pounds

Item Weight: 10.19 pounds

Type: Pre-Emergent

Total Area coverage: 2000 square feet

Packaged as a 10-pound bag, Fertilome Herbicide can cover 2000 square feet of lawn area. This is sufficient enough for home gardens and will last long enough. You can use higher concentrations where heavy infestation is predicted to prevent growth. However, if tiny weeds sprout above the soil, pre-emergent herbicides can no longer get rid of them.

Pros

• Potent pre-emergent herbicide
• Prevents growth of broadleaf weeds
• Best for residential spaces up to 2000 sq. ft
• Granular form to prevent damage to neighboring plants

7. Weedar 64 Broadleaf Herbicide – Best Large Space Broadleaf Weed Killer

[lasso ref=”weedar-64-broadleaf-herbicide-5-gallons-2-x-2-5gal” id=”4748″ link_id=”5171″]

Being a post-emergent weed killer, you can use it to kill weeds sprouted out of the ground.

Weedar herbicide boasts 2-4-D salt in its formula. This effective chemical ensures the in-depth removal of broadleaf weeds in asparagus, cereal grains, corn, orchards, rice, soybeans, strawberries, sugarcanes, and grass pastures. It is also efficient in non-crop areas like lawns, ornamental turf, fence rows, and aquatic weed control.

Liquid Volume: 5 gallons (2x 2.5)

Item Weight: 8 pounds

Type: Post-Emergent

Total Area coverage: 20 plus acres

This herbicide will prove to be a worthy buy in case you need to cover large acres of farmland. The 5-gallon volume is bound to last a long time before you need a refill.

Pros

• Selective killing of broadleaf weeds
• Broad-spectrum functioning in crops and non-crop areas
• Large capacity of up to 5 gallons
• 2-4-D ensures powerful and speedy results
• Can target ample land acres

8. Alligare 2-4-D Herbicide – Best Versatile Broadleaf Weed Killer

[lasso ref=”alligare-24-d-amine-herbicide-128oz-broadleaf-weed-killer” id=”4749″ link_id=”5172″]

It is a systemic and post-emergent weed killer, emphasizing its efficacy in killing existing weeds by poisoning them from their roots.

It has a highly concentrated solution with 46.8% active ingredient. The chemical 2-4-D amine salt guarantees to target a wide range of common broadleaf weed species without harming the grass of your lawn. Sold in a volume of 1 gallon, the bottle’s design makes it easy to carry and use.

Liquid Volume: 128oz (1 gallon)

Item Weight: 11 pounds

Type: Post-Emergent

Total Area coverage: 1 acre

The high potency and successful results have led to the massive popularity of Alligare in the market. It is safe to use on Southern grass but remember to dilute the concentrate for perfect results each time.

Pros

• Highly effective in controlling broadleaves
• 46.8% strength of potent 2-4-D amine salt
• Ample amount of 1 gallon
• Versatile for a wide variety of lands/areas

---

Broadleaf Herbicide Types

Since the class of broadleaf weeds is so diverse and immense, broadleaf weed killers come in various categories. So it is essential to analyze your requirements and buy the best broadleaf weed killer for those needs.

Post-Emergent Broadleaf Herbicides

As the name suggests, post-emergent herbicides target lawn areas with already existing or grown broadleaf weeds. You can use them at any time when weeds have emerged above the ground. Post-emergent herbicides work best in cold temperatures, early spring, or fall season.

Meanwhile, applying in dry and hot temperatures can damage the turf and won’t be as effective. Such weed killers are most suitable for annuals (which live for a year) and perennials (which come back every season).

Post-emergent are of two basic types; contact and systemic herbicides. Contact herbicides are suitable for smaller weeds as they do not attack the roots. Since they kill the weeds once a season, they can work as the best broadleaf weed killer if your garden is infested by winter or summer annuals.

Systemic herbicides are more potent as they translocate through the entire root system of the weed. Larger weeds and perennial broadleaves are the most suitable prey of systemic herbicides.

Pre-Emergent Broadleaf Herbicides

Popular as a preventive measure, pre-emergent weed killers halt the growth process of broadleaf weeds and work wonders on annuals like chickweed. However, there’s a catch. Pre-emergent herbicides need to be applied at a particular time to ensure maximum productivity. It’s crucial to target the weeds at a very early germinating stage based on the sprouting pattern of the particular weed in your lawns.

Selective vs. Non-Selective Herbicide

The difference between the two is pretty straightforward. It is essential to know the type of weeds in your garden if you’re using a selective herbicide. Otherwise, non-selective herbicides will get the job done in the case of multiplying broadleaf weed growth.

Selective herbicides are manufactured with certain chemicals and products that target weeds and unwanted herbs. Such chemicals don’t cause any damage to grasses, vegetables, trees, and other plants. A particular example is 2-4-D, a synthetic chemical acting on the growth regulator of weeds.

On the other hand, non-selective herbicides are highly toxic and destroy everything in their way. Since they fail to differentiate between weeds and grasses, they also damage ornamental plants and vegetables. Therefore, it is essential to clear the lawn space before application to prevent unwanted damage. Non-selective herbicides are best suited for large infestations and tougher perennials.

Broadleaf Spray vs. Granules

Different marketing brands specialize in different product packaging for the best broadleaf weed killers. The real debate- which of these is the most effective choice?

It all comes down to your ease and preference, but we have reason to believe that liquid sprays top the list. Liquid sprays are easy to use and coat the tiniest surfaces of leaves. Often you need to dilute liquid concentrates to apply an adequate amount of herbicide.

Granules or dry pellets are suitable for broad-base application to tackle the entire lawn or garden. On the downside, granular weed killers lack effectiveness because they require the soil to be damp and moist for good absorbance.

Weed killer granules are often so tiny in size that they demand tact and skill for sticking to the leaf surface. However, some gardeners might prefer dry granules because liquid sprays can damage surrounding plants.

Synthetic vs. Organic Broadleaf Herbicide

If you are confused about choosing either synthetic or organic broadleaf killer, here are a few things to consider.

Synthetic Broadleaf Weed Killer

Synthetic herbicides are composed of chemical compounds that are highly effective and strong in action. However, their toxicity poses serious health risks to both humans and pets.

2-4-D Broadleaf Weed Control

2-4-D, also known as 2-4 Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid is the principal constituent of the best broadleaf weed killers. It is a plant growth hormone auxin that kills unwanted weeds like dandelions, clover, crabgrass, chickweed, etc. It is a top choice for persistent and pesky weeds because it poses no detrimental effects on the grass.

Organic Broadleaf Weed Killer

Organic broadleaf weed killers are mainly natural compounds such as cornmeal, acetic acid, citric acid, clove oil, cinnamon oil, etc. These ingredients don’t change soil pH or pollute the water, thus being ecologically friendly. Their most significant advantage is that they don’t contain toxins; however, their efficacy is less than synthetic ones. This is the primary reason for their lack in the market. Organic weed killers are best suited for annuals and not perennials.

---

Buying Guide: Best Broadleaf Weed Killer

Choosing an ideal broadleaf weed killer can be a nightmare with so many options available. So, what exactly should you be looking for?

Manufacturer

For the best broadleaf weed killer, your priority should be to opt for top-rated manufacturers. Experience counts and veteran manufacturers have had years of practice making pesticides and herbicides. Their extensive knowledge ensures premium products are manufactured to ensure the best experience for the consumer.

Composition

As simple and effective it is to use weed killers, the ingredients can be dangerous. They can pose harm to your pets, health, as well as the surrounding environment. Thus, you should be cautious while buying products that contain a large amount of glyphosate as it’s harmful to the environment.

Instead, You should consider other, safer options like 2-4-D Amine acid, which sets the bar high in effectiveness and safety. Also, be wary of selective and non-selective herbicides and choose what’s best for your lawn.

Ease of Use

Another vital part of purchasing a good quality broadleaf killer is user-friendliness. There are multiple ways you can apply herbicides to weeds in gardens. Most pesticides are designed to be used with a spray or spreader. The weed solution is diluted, making it simple for users at home to apply to any desired location.

Coverage

As tempting as it is to reach for the largest canister in the aisle, bigger doesn’t necessarily mean better. First, buy a sample and experiment with it to see if it’s the right choice for you.

Weeds can grow in many different areas, whether it’s in the center of your manicured lawn or around other plants, trees, and shrubs. Keeping this in mind, consider the intended area of use depending on the total square footage of your garden space.

What are Broadleaf Weeds?

As the name suggests, broadleaf weeds are weeds with broad, wide leaves and come in several shapes. Different herbicides are used to control and kill them. It is necessary to get rid of broadleaf weeds as they suck the nutrients and water out of the soil a lot faster than regular grass can. This can be problematic as lack of nutrients in soil attracts pests and disease.

Examples of Broadleaf Weeds

Now, there are several types of broadleaf weeds out there, but the main ones to watch out for are:

Chickweed

Chickweed, also known as Stellaria media, sprouts annually in the winters and withers away in the summers. Chickweed usually grows to 4-12 inches and has small egg-shaped leaves. Although this weed is edible, that doesn’t mean it is beneficial for your lawn. They grow in big clumps on empty spots in lawns and, like all weeds, prove harmful for the vegetation present in the lawn.

Clover

Even though possessing the four-leaf clover is considered lucky, having a cluster of clovers in your garden is quite the opposite. Getting rid of clovers is difficult as they are stubborn, perennial weeds; thus, they expand through seeds and vegetation. Even a tiny stem or root can lead to the growth of a new clover plant in another part of the lawn. This weed grows best in shallow, moist ground.

Dandelion

Dandelions are considered pretty as their general appearance is that of a flower. However, it is a weed with roots that extend deep into the soil, sucking out nutrients and water. Dandelions are perennial weeds like clovers and are pretty tricky to remove. To remove a dandelion, they must be eliminated from the roots, or there is an imminent threat of re-growth.

Prostrate Spurge

The scientific name for this weed is Euphorbia Malculata, but it is commonly known as the spotted spurge. This weed takes up vast sections of a lawn with its broad leaves. It has oval leaves with a red stem running through them, giving it a spotty appearance. With a not-so-pleasing look, this weed can also cause skin irritation on human skin, so you must be cautious while dealing with it.

Prostrate Knotweed

The prostrate knotweed has many names, including common Knotgrass, low grass, bindweed, pigweed, and the polygonum aviculare. It is a summer annual and goes away during October. Because it can spread quickly, it must be removed when you first catch a glimpse of it.

Broadleaf Weed Control

Knowing the basic principles of broadleaf weed killers is essential to bring the best out of them. Whether you’re a hobbyist or a professional, you must know how to use and apply the herbicides to target the weeds at the right time. Numerous things need to be kept in mind when applying broadleaf herbicides.

When To Apply Broadleaf Weed Killer

First, you should consider the type of weed and the season of emergence. If the weeds haven’t fully emerged, pre-emergent herbicides need to be used at the right time based on geographical location and growth seasonal patterns. Of course, it all depends on the type of weed. Clover, for example, should be gotten rid of in spring, whereas chickweed in fall or early winter.

If the weeds have already emerged, post-emergent herbicide needs to be applied as soon as possible. The quicker you apply, the less likely are the chances of multiplication. Weeds tend to be invasive and quickly spread out over a short time. Hence, keep spraying whenever you spot a new appearance.

Since weeds pop up seasonally, the best and most efficient way is to get rid of them strategically. Weeds that appear in winters should be taken care of in fall, and those that show up in summers should be gotten rid of in spring. This ensures early elimination and makes sure that you’re not wasting all your time, money, and resources on getting rid of stubborn seasonal weeds.

Best Time To Apply 2-4-D

A few tips to give it your best is to make sure the weather isn’t hotter than 90 degrees Fahrenheit yet is greater than 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The spraying should be done with no wind (less than 5mph) and should be applied at least 2 days after you’ve mowed your lawn. Not immediately.

Another thing to remember is that you shouldn’t use the product after rain or before rain is forecasted. Applying 2-4-D on water and weeds will dilute the herbicide, consequently decreasing the effectiveness. Water and dew can prevent the chemical from reaching the weeds, wind can evaporate the product, and rain can wash it away before it even gets a chance to work its magic.

---

Final Thoughts

To sum up, with the best broadleaf weed killer, you can put an end to annoying weeds and allow other plants in your lawn to flourish. We hope our 8 best broadleaf week killer review list and buyer’s guide have armed you with valuable information.

Happy weed killing!

FAQs