Best Broadleaf Weed Killers for Lawns (2026)

Best Broadleaf Weed Killers

The best broadleaf weed killers for lawns in 2026, ranked by active ingredient effectiveness. Covers dandelion, clover, creeping charlie, plantain, and wild violet treatment.

Our Top Pick

Trimec Classic (three-way: 2,4-D + dicamba + MCPP) is the best all-around broadleaf herbicide for most lawn weeds. For tough weeds like creeping charlie and wild violet, Crossbow or triclopyr-based products are necessary.

Trimec Classic (2,4-D + Dicamba + MCPP) Our pick

Coverage: 16,000+ sq ft per pint

The industry standard three-way broadleaf herbicide. Kills dandelion, plantain, clover, henbit, chickweed, spurge, and most common broadleaf weeds in a single application. Professional concentrate that mixes with water for pump sprayer application.

Three-way Professional grade Widest spectrum

$29.99 Shop now

Ortho Weed B Gon (2,4-D + Dicamba + MCPP)

Coverage: 5,000 sq ft per container

Consumer-ready version of the three-way formula in a hose-end sprayer. No mixing required. Same active ingredients as professional products at a lower concentration. Good for homeowners who don't own a pump sprayer.

Ready to spray Consumer grade No mixing

$14.99 Shop now

Triclopyr 4EC (Triclopyr Ester)

Coverage: 43,000+ sq ft per quart

The strongest broadleaf active ingredient available to homeowners. Required for creeping charlie, wild violet, and other tough weeds that resist standard three-way herbicides. The waxy leaf coating on these weeds sheds 2,4-D but absorbs triclopyr. Mix with a surfactant for best results.

Triclopyr Tough weeds Professional grade

$32.99 Shop now

Speedzone (2,4-D + Carfentrazone + Dicamba + MCPP)

Coverage: 18,000+ sq ft per quart

Fast-acting four-way herbicide that shows visible results within hours instead of days. The carfentrazone component causes rapid leaf burning for quick visual feedback. Kills a slightly wider range of weeds than standard three-way. Professional concentrate.

Four-way Fastest results Professional grade

$49.99 Shop now

Weed Free Zone (2,4-D + Dicamba + Sulfentrazone)

Coverage: 16,000 sq ft per pint

Unique formula that combines broadleaf herbicide with sulfentrazone, which also controls sedges. If you have both broadleaf weeds and nutsedge, this handles both in one application. Not as effective on sedges as pure Sedgehammer but a convenient combo product.

Broadleaf + sedge combo Two-in-one

$24.99 Shop now

How We Ranked These Products

We evaluated broadleaf herbicides based on active ingredient spectrum (how many weed species they kill), safety on cool-season lawn grasses, difficulty of application, speed of results, and cost per 1,000 square feet. Products are split into two tiers: general-purpose (kills common broadleaf weeds) and tough-weed formulas (for creeping charlie, wild violet, and other resistant species).

Every product listed here is selective, meaning it kills broadleaf weeds without harming bluegrass, fescue, or ryegrass when applied according to label directions. Always check the label for your specific grass type, especially if you have bermuda, zoysia, or St. Augustine.

How We Tested

Ranked by weed spectrum coverage, cool-season turf safety, application convenience, speed of visible results, and cost efficiency. Based on university extension research and 30+ years of field use. Prices verified April 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best weed killer that won't kill grass?

Trimec Classic or any three-way herbicide (2,4-D + dicamba + MCPP) kills most broadleaf weeds without harming cool-season lawn grasses. For tough weeds like creeping charlie and wild violet, triclopyr is necessary. Always check the label for your specific grass species.

When should I spray broadleaf weeds?

Fall (October to November) is the most effective window. Perennial weeds are pulling nutrients to their roots for winter storage, carrying herbicide deep into the root system. Spring and summer applications work but require more follow-up. Avoid spraying during drought stress or above 90 degrees.

What's the difference between 2,4-D and triclopyr?

Both are broadleaf herbicides but triclopyr is stronger on tough, waxy-leaved weeds like creeping charlie and wild violet. 2,4-D is effective on most common weeds (dandelion, plantain, clover). Triclopyr costs more but penetrates waxy leaf coatings that shed 2,4-D.

Do I need a surfactant?

For standard weeds (dandelion, clover, plantain), a surfactant is helpful but not essential. For waxy-leaved weeds (wild violet, creeping charlie), a surfactant is necessary. It breaks the surface tension so herbicide sticks to and absorbs through the leaf coating instead of beading off.

What is the best weed killer that won't kill grass?

When should I spray broadleaf weeds?

What's the difference between 2,4-D and triclopyr?

Do I need a surfactant?

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Best Broadleaf Weed Killers

How We Ranked These Products

How We Tested

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best weed killer that won't kill grass?

When should I spray broadleaf weeds?

What's the difference between 2,4-D and triclopyr?

Do I need a surfactant?

Company

Connect