Broad Leaf Weed Control

Broadleaf Weed Control

Compared to grassy weeds, broadleaf weeds are much easier identify, eliminate, and control. There is a wide variety of chemicals and brands in the market that do an excellent job of battling these weeds. Like with grassy weeds, it is key to identify which broadleaf you are targeting to help get the best results. Some key features that differentiate broadleaf weeds from grass weeds are:

wider leaf blades
main vein divides the leaf with smaller ones producing a net-like pattern
some leafs can be circular (Dollarweed)
produce colorful flowers with different shapes and sizes
flowers can be key to help identify the species

Broadleaf weeds may germinate and grow at different times of the year and also have longer life cycles. This is very important because it helps determine when to apply pre-emergents and post emergents. We can break down these weeds into three groups that help us better understand how to eliminate them.

Winter Annual Broadleaf Weeds
Summer Annual Broadleaf Weeds
Perennial Broadleaf Weeds

Winter Annual Broadleaf Weeds

germinate late summer through early fall
germination is the process of development for weeds
best time to apply post-emergent herbicides is in the spring while there is active growth
some can be controlled/prevented with pre-emergent application in the fall (common chickweed)

Examples

Prickly Lettuce
Common Chickweed
Henbit
Shepherd's Purse
Hairy Bittercress
Dead Nettle

Summer Annual Broadleaf Weeds

germination begins in early spring through the rest of the growing season (summer)
growing season depends on your geographical location
northern areas are going to have a later and shorter growing season
the complete life cycle in one growing season
as with winter annuals, the best time to apply post-emergent herbicides is during active growth

Examples

Black Medic
Carpetweed
Knotweed
Mallow
Purslane

Perennial Broadleaf Weeds

Cool Season

year-long life cycle
reproduce by seed and/or other vegetative means
germination occurs in winter so pre-emergents would need to be applied in late fall
active growth is during the spring and fall (best time to apply post emergents)
these weeds for dormant during the summer
multiple applications may be necessary because of the year-long growth cycle

Warm Season

Reproduce by seed and/or other vegetative means
Germination occurs in spring (best time to apply pre-emergents)
Active growth is during the summer months (best time to apply post-emergent herbicides)
These weeds go dormant during the winter
Multiple applications may be necessary

Examples