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How to Get Rid of Broadleaf Weeds

Posted on April 17, 2024 by Lawn Doctor

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What are broadleaf weeds? They’re an invasive species of weed that can take over your garden. Known for being resilient and hardy, these weeds fall into the annual and perennial category and can be identified by their thick, broad leaves. From poison ivy to thistles and clovers, there are hundreds of species occurring worldwide. A broadleaf weed can grow in the middle of the lawn, flower beds and even through cracks in concrete. Prevention, correct identification and a lawn management plan are key to knowing how to get rid of broadleaf weeds.

How to Identify Broadleaf Weeds

A broadleaf weed tends to proliferate, with some species towering over other weeds and grasses, often mimicking cultivated plants. Other species look like ground cover and creepers. Although aesthetically different, all broadleaf weeds have netted veins on the leaves, nodes with one or more leaves and leaves that grow from the stem. There are a multitude of types of broadleaf, each distinct in look. Some species of broadleaf have small, petite flowers, while others have jagged, prickly leaves. Despite the differences in species, there’s one common denominator: they’re weeds that don’t fall into the grass family category and are identified by their unique leaves.

What Are Some Common Types of Broadleaf Weeds?

From the hundreds of broadleaf weed species, these are the most widely recognized:

  • Poison ivy: This is a creeping allergenic weed (shrub-like) with a compound leaf containing a film of poison that causes painful blisters and rashes.
  • Common ragweed: A tall weed with feather-like leaves, widespread during the summer. It’s known to cause seasonal allergies because of its high pollen count.
  • Dandelion: These are tall, pretty-looking weeds with small puffballs and yellow flowers. The leaves are tooth-shaped and the seeds are wind-borne.
  • Thistle: Out of all the weeds, the thistle is probably the prettiest. The flower head is either pink or purple, while the leaves look like they have razor-sharp prickles.
  • Clover: The clover looks like a ground cover, and has small, broad trifoliate leaves housing tiny flowers in shades of red and pink.

How to Kill Broadleaf Weeds

The key to killing broadleaf weeds is understanding the species. A professional lawn service company can help identify the species and advise which herbicide to use. To effectively kill broadleaf weeds, you may need a lawn treatment plan to prevent them from returning.

Here’s how to kill broadleaf weeds:

  • Apply a post-emergent herbicide treatment tailored to broadleaf weeds (be careful it doesn’t target broadleaf vegetables). They kill weeds after they’ve germinated.
  • For a more natural method, use a homemade mixture of Epsom salts, vinegar, a strong essential oil and dishwasher soap.
  • If you have small infestations and weed clusters, you can exercise broadleaf control by removing them by hand. If you opt for this method, make sure to use a garden tool like a trowel to help remove deep roots.

How to Prevent Broadleaf Weeds

Aggressive broadleaf weed infestations need a preventive management plan. When weeds grow, they spread their seeds quickly, making it crucial to address the issue and stop future invasions.

For a permanently nourished and healthy lawn and garden that’s inhospitable to weed growth, try the following:

  • Educate yourself about the types of weeds in your garden.
  • Mow your lawn — this prevents weeds from reaching the flowering and seeding stages.
  • Use organic mulch in your garden beds (wood chips, shredded leaves).
  • Create a healthy soil environment by fertilizing regularly to provide balanced nutrients and pH levels.
  • Use a pre-emergent herbicide as part of a garden treatment plan to prevent seeds from germinating.

Looking after your garden, nurturing it and using preventive herbicides reduces the need for emergency weed management down the line. Prevention is easier than killing broadleaf weeds.

If you need assistance with broadleaf weeds in your yard, contact Lawn Doctor for professional weed control that sticks.

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Contact Lawn Doctor to help care for your lawn when you can’t.

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