Pre-Emergent Herbicides: How They Work and When to Apply Them
Broadleaf Plantain Killers
Broadleaf plantain forms a low, spreading rosette that can take over compacted or heavily trafficked areas of the lawn, making early broadleaf plantain control far easier than treating a mature infestation. DIY Pest Control carries selective and non-selective herbicides built to eliminate this perennial weed before it flowers and reseeds.
Having trouble finding the right product or need additional information? Please call us at 1-800-476-3368
Take Control of Broadleaf Plantain Before It Spreads
Broadleaf plantain is a perennial weed with a thick taproot that anchors it firmly in compacted soil, making it especially common in high-traffic areas like sidewalks, driveways, and parts of the lawn that see frequent foot travel. Once it flowers and goes to seed, broadleaf plantain becomes significantly harder to manage, which makes early identification and treatment essential for effective broadleaf plantain control.
How to Identify Broadleaf Plantain
Broadleaf plantain (Plantago major) grows as a basal rosette of oval, lance-shaped leaves with stalks typically under 12 inches long, and it produces flower spikes with blooms and seeds distributed along the entire length of the stalk rather than clustered at the top. It is often confused with plantain buckhorn, a related species with narrower leaves and flowers bunched only near the tip of the spike. Confirming which plantain species you are dealing with helps ensure the broadleaf plantain herbicide you choose actually matches the weed in your yard.
Choosing the Right Broadleaf Plantain Weed Killer
Battleship III Selective Herbicide combines three active ingredients to control broadleaf plantain along with chickweed, clover, and other common lawn weeds in established turf. Horsepower Selective Herbicide offers similar broad-spectrum control and is labeled for use across a wide range of grass types, while Triplet SF Selective Herbicide combines three selective herbicides in one formula for tougher, established patches. For smaller lawns or spot treatments, Southern AG 2,4-D Amine provides reliable, budget-friendly control. Applying any broadleaf plantain weed herbicide in early spring or late fall, while the plant is actively growing but has not yet flowered, produces the most reliable results.
Related Categories
Frequently Asked Questions
What does broadleaf plantain look like?
Broadleaf plantain grows as a rosette of broad, oval leaves close to the ground with flower spikes that bloom and seed along their entire length. It is often confused with plantain buckhorn, which has narrower leaves and flowers clustered only at the top of the spike.
When should I treat broadleaf plantain?
Early spring or late fall, while the plant is actively growing but before it has flowered, offers the best window for effective broadleaf plantain control. Waiting until after it seeds makes control significantly more difficult.
Is broadleaf plantain harmful to my lawn?
Broadleaf plantain competes directly with turfgrass for space, water, and nutrients, and its thick taproot allows it to persist in compacted soil where grass struggles to grow. Left unchecked, it can spread and thin out otherwise healthy turf.
Can I use a non-selective herbicide on broadleaf plantain?
Non-selective herbicides will eliminate broadleaf plantain but will also harm any surrounding grass, so they are best reserved for driveways, walkways, or areas where turf is not a concern. A selective broadleaf plantain killer is the better choice for established lawns.
Why does broadleaf plantain keep showing up in the same spots?
Broadleaf plantain thrives in compacted, high-traffic soil, so areas with heavy foot travel are especially prone to repeat infestations. Aerating the soil and encouraging dense turf growth alongside herbicide treatment helps prevent it from returning.
Shop Broadleaf Plantain Herbicides for Established Lawns
Ready to clear broadleaf plantain from your lawn for good? Shop our full lineup of selective and non-selective herbicides above, or call 1-800-476-3368 for personalized product recommendations.
Contact Us TodayRelated Articles: Broadleaf Plantain
Characteristics
- Plantago major
- perennial weed
- basal rosette (leaves are grouped from a central point in a circular shape)
- oval shaped leaves
- leave stalks are less the 12”
- flowers in summer months
- flower spikes have flowers and seeds that form along its length (broadleaf buckhorn has seeds and flowers that form just at the top of the flower spike)
Treatment
Selective
- use our filter option for your grass type
- application is most effective during active growth (summer months during flowering)
- look for products that contain triclopyr, MCPP, Dicamba and/or 2,4-D
- Make sure to properly identify your grass to make sure that the herbicide is safe for your lawn. Choose your grass below to filter for products that are safe for your lawn:
Non-Selective
- spot treat with chemicals such as Glyphosate
- be careful to only apply to the target area
- use a spray or gloves to apply
- click here for recommended products.
Prevention
- pre-emergent herbicides are not as effective because it is a perennial
- the best time to apply these herbicides is during the fall months
- multiple applications are necessary
- look for active ingredients that pre-emergent that also has post-emergent qualities (dithiopyr and indaziflam)