Broadleaf weeds are the most common problem in North American lawns — and the most fixable. Unlike grassy weeds such as crabgrass, broadleaf weeds respond quickly to selective herbicides that kill them without touching your turf. The key is identifying what you're dealing with, choosing the right product, and applying it at the right time.
This guide covers the 10 most common broadleaf lawn weeds, the 5 best broadleaf weed killers for 2026, and a step-by-step application guide that gets results the first time.
📋 In This Guide
How to Identify Broadleaf Weeds in Your Lawn
Broadleaf weeds have wide, flat leaves with branching veins — as opposed to grassy weeds, which have narrow blades with parallel veins. This structural difference is exactly what selective broadleaf herbicides exploit. The active ingredients in products like 2,4-D and Dicamba absorb through broad leaf surfaces and disrupt growth hormones, while narrow grass blades absorb far less of the chemical.
Look at the leaf veins. If they branch outward like a tree — it's a broadleaf weed. If they run parallel down the blade — it's a grassy weed (like crabgrass). This matters because different herbicides are needed for each type.
Bright yellow flowers, deeply toothed leaves in a rosette. Taprooted — regrows from root fragments if not fully killed.
Three-leaf clusters with white ball flowers. Fixes nitrogen so it thrives in thin, low-fertility lawns.
Oval leaves with prominent parallel ribs forming a flat rosette. Extremely tough — thrives in compacted soil.
Small, oval leaves on sprawling stems with tiny white flowers. Germinates in cool weather — dominant in early spring and fall.
Round, scalloped leaves on square stems that spread aggressively. Releases a minty smell when crushed. Difficult to control.
Heart-shaped, scalloped leaves on creeping stems. Similar to Creeping Charlie — often confused. Thrives in shade and moist soil.
Spiny, deeply lobed leaves with purple flowers. Deep taproot makes hand-pulling ineffective without a full root extraction.
Heart-shaped leaflets in groups of three — resembles clover but with yellow flowers. Spreads by seed explosively when pods burst.
Low-growing mat with small oval leaves and milky sap when broken. Thrives in hot, dry conditions and thin turf.
Three leaflets with a small black seed pod — often mistaken for clover. Indicates low nitrogen in the soil.
5 Best Broadleaf Weed Killers — Reviewed
| # | Product | Active Ingredient | Form | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Killex Concentrate | 2,4-D, Mecoprop, Dicamba | Liquid concentrate | Canadian lawns, 50+ weeds |
| 2 | Ortho Weed B Gon MAX | 2,4-D, MCPA, Dicamba | Liquid concentrate | Tough weeds, pet-safe when dry |
| 3 | Roundup for Lawns | 2,4-D, Quinclorac, Dicamba | Ready-to-spray | Broadleaf + crabgrass combo |
| 4 | Spectracide Weed Stop for Lawns | 2,4-D, MCPP, Dicamba | Ready-to-spray | Budget, quick spot treatment |
| 5 | Southern AG Amine 2,4-D | 2,4-D amine 47.5% | Liquid concentrate | Large lawns, cost-effective |
1. Killex Concentrate
Canada's best-selling broadleaf weed killer — kills 50+ weeds fast without harming lawn grassKillex is the benchmark broadleaf weed killer for Canadian lawns. Its three-way active ingredient blend — 2,4-D, Mecoprop, and Dicamba — works together to kill over 50 broadleaf weed species including dandelions, clover, plantain, chickweed, creeping Charlie, and ground ivy. Results are visible within 3–5 days, with complete kill in 2–3 weeks.
The concentrate formula mixes with water and applies via a pump or backpack sprayer, giving you precise control over dosage and coverage. One 500 mL bottle covers up to 1,000 sq. ft. at standard dilution, making it extremely cost-effective for regular lawn maintenance. Available at Lawn Supply Canada, Home Hardware, and major garden centres nationwide.
🛒 Buy Killex in Canada Ships across Canada. No affiliate markup on this link.Pros
- Kills 50+ broadleaf weed species
- Fast results — visible in 3–5 days
- Safe on most established lawn grasses
- Best value concentrate available in Canada
Cons
- Requires a sprayer for application
- Keep pets off until dry (2–4 hours)
- Not for use on newly seeded lawns
2. Ortho Weed B Gon MAX Concentrate
Strong three-way formula safe for pets when dry — a solid alternative to KillexOrtho Weed B Gon MAX is the closest competitor to Killex on the Canadian market. It uses a similar three-way herbicide blend — 2,4-D, MCPA, and Dicamba — to target the same spectrum of broadleaf weeds. The main practical difference is that Weed B Gon MAX is slightly more widely available at big-box retailers like Canadian Tire and Walmart, making it an easy grab when Killex is out of stock.
Results are slightly slower than Killex in our testing — expect visible wilting in 5–7 days and full kill in 3 weeks. The concentrate is available in 500 mL and 1L sizes. Mix at 15 mL per litre of water for standard application.
🛒 Buy Now Ships across Canada.Pros
- Widely available at Canadian retailers
- Fast 1-hour rainfast time
- Safe on most established lawn grasses
- Good value in larger concentrate sizes
Cons
- Slightly slower results than Killex
- Requires sprayer for concentrate
- Avoid on bent grass or St. Augustine
3. Roundup for Lawns
Kills broadleaf weeds AND crabgrass in one spray — the most versatile selective herbicide availableDespite the Roundup name, Roundup for Lawns is a selective herbicide — it will not kill your grass. This is a completely different product from Roundup Original (glyphosate), which kills everything. Roundup for Lawns uses 2,4-D, Quinclorac, and Dicamba to target broadleaf weeds and crabgrass while leaving lawn grass unharmed.
The ready-to-spray format makes it ideal for spot-treating problem areas without mixing. The addition of Quinclorac is what makes it stand out — it's one of the few consumer products that handles both broadleaf weeds and established crabgrass in a single application. Best used as a spot treatment rather than broadcast spray over large areas.
🛒 Buy Now Ships across Canada.Pros
- Kills crabgrass AND broadleaf weeds
- Ready-to-spray — no mixing required
- Selective — safe on lawn grass
- Convenient for spot treatments
Cons
- Name confuses buyers — not a lawn killer
- Ready-to-spray more expensive per sq. ft.
- Not ideal for large broadcast applications
4. Spectracide Weed Stop for Lawns
The most affordable ready-to-spray broadleaf killer — solid results at a low entry priceSpectracide Weed Stop for Lawns is the go-to budget pick for homeowners who want a ready-to-spray option without spending on premium brands. It uses the standard three-way formula — 2,4-D, MCPP, and Dicamba — to kill common broadleaf weeds including dandelions, clover, plantain, and chickweed. Application is simple: attach to a garden hose or use the trigger sprayer directly on target weeds.
Results are consistent when applied to actively growing weeds in mild temperatures. On tougher, established weeds like creeping Charlie or thistle, a second application may be needed. Best suited for routine maintenance spraying on moderate weed pressure rather than heavy infestations.
🛒 Check Price Affiliate link — no extra cost to you.Pros
- Lowest price point on this list
- No mixing — hose-end or trigger spray
- Available at most hardware and garden stores
- Good on common broadleaf weeds
Cons
- Slower and weaker on tough established weeds
- May need repeat applications on heavy infestations
- Less cost-effective than concentrates for large lawns
5. Southern AG Amine 2,4-D Weed Killer
High-concentrate single active ingredient — the most cost-effective option for large propertiesSouthern AG Amine 2,4-D is a professional-strength single-ingredient concentrate at 47.5% active ingredient — significantly higher than most consumer products. It's the best option for homeowners with large lawns who want to cover maximum area at minimum cost. The 2,4-D amine formulation controls dandelions, plantain, chickweed, oxalis, wild garlic, and most common broadleaf lawn weeds.
Mix at 1–2 oz per gallon of water depending on weed severity. A 32 oz bottle makes up to 32 gallons of finished spray, covering approximately 20,000 sq. ft. This product is primarily available online and at agricultural supply stores rather than big-box retailers.
🛒 Check Price Affiliate link — no extra cost to you.Pros
- Extremely cost-effective for large areas
- High active ingredient concentration
- Controls most common broadleaf weeds
- Long shelf life as a concentrate
Cons
- Single active ingredient — less spectrum than three-way
- Requires careful mixing and sprayer equipment
- Less widely available at retail stores
How to Apply Broadleaf Weed Killer Correctly
Even the strongest broadleaf herbicide will underperform if applied incorrectly. These six steps are what separate a clean kill from a patchy result.
Check the weather forecast. You need at least 24 hours of dry weather after application. Rain too soon washes the herbicide off leaf surfaces before it can absorb. Also avoid applying when temperatures are above 27°C — heat stress increases the risk of grass damage.
Apply to actively growing weeds. Broadleaf herbicides work through leaf absorption. Weeds must be actively growing and have full leaf surface for the product to work. Don't apply to dormant or severely drought-stressed weeds.
Do not mow for 3–5 days before or after. Mowing reduces the leaf surface area available for herbicide absorption. Let weeds grow to full leaf before spraying, then wait at least 3–5 days after application before mowing again.
Apply in the morning on a calm day. Apply when temperatures are mild and there is little to no wind. Herbicide drift onto flower beds, vegetables, or ornamentals can cause serious damage.
Use a calibrated sprayer. Mix concentrate products exactly to label specifications. Over-application can stress or damage grass. Under-application reduces kill rates. A pump sprayer with a fan nozzle gives the best coverage.
Be patient — give it 2–3 weeks. Broadleaf herbicides work systemically, moving through the plant down to the roots. You'll see twisting and wilting within 3–7 days, but full root death takes 2–3 weeks. Don't reapply too quickly.
Most broadleaf herbicides will severely damage or kill garden plants, flowers, vegetables, and shrubs. Use cardboard shields or newspaper to protect nearby plantings during application. Never spray on a windy day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Clear Your Lawn of Broadleaf Weeds?
Start with Killex Concentrate for the most effective and cost-efficient broadleaf control available in Canada. For US lawns or crabgrass combo problems, Roundup for Lawns handles both in a single application.