How to Get Rid of Broadleaf Grass in Your Lawn

Broadleaf grass is a common weed found in many lawns. While grassy weeds can blend in with the rest of your lawn, broadleaf grass stands out due to its wide, flat blades This weed spreads aggressively and can quickly take over your yard. Getting rid of broadleaf grass takes some work, but is doable if you use the right control methods. Here’s what you need to know about managing broadleaf grass in your lawn.

What is Broadleaf Grass?

Broadleaf grass refers to a number of grassy weed species that have wide, flat leaves rather than the narrow blades of typical lawn grasses. Some common varieties include crabgrass, goosegrass, and annual bluegrass. These opportunistic weeds thrive in thin, sparse lawns that receive excessive watering.

Broadleaf grass weeds propagate quickly through seeds that germinate in early spring Left unchecked, they can form thick clumps and mats that crowd out desirable grasses Their wide leaves form dense patches of unsightly weed growth.

Controlling broadleaf grass requires diligence. These weeds can be stubborn to remove once established. But with persistence and the right control methods, you can get rid of broadleaf grass and reclaim your lawn.

Manual Removal

For minor infestations, manually digging up the weeds may provide adequate control. This works best for young plants that have not had time to develop an extensive root system.

To remove broadleaf grass by hand:

• Wear gloves to protect your hands. The plants often have sharp, serrated leaf edges that can cut skin.

• Use a weed popping tool, shovel, or garden fork to loosen the soil and lift out the entire plant. Be sure to extract all the roots or the weed may regrow.

• Dispose of the plants immediately. Do not compost broadleaf grass weeds as they may spread seeds. Place the weeds in securely sealed bags and discard with household trash.

• Rake and smooth any disturbed areas, then reseed with your lawn grass mix to fill bare spots. Keep the area moist until new grass is established.

Manual removal works for small patches. But for severe infestations, chemical control methods will be much more effective.

Herbicide Application

Post-emergent herbicides designed for lawns offer the quickest way to get rid of broadleaf grass. These weed killers are selective, meaning they target broadleaf plants but won’t harm most lawn grasses. Products containing active ingredients like 2,4-D, MCPA, dicamba, and quinclorac work well against tough grassy weeds.

Some tips for effective herbicide application:

• Always read and follow label directions carefully. Only use lawn weed killers at directed rates.

• For best results, apply herbicides when broadleaf grass is actively growing in spring and fall. Avoid spraying during summer heat or drought stress.

• Use a tank sprayer for large areas. For spot treating smaller patches, a pump spray bottle or wand attachment for a garden hose works fine.

• Spray the weeds thoroughly, wetting all leaf surfaces. But avoid overspraying desirable grass. Use a spray shield when needed.

• It may take 7-14 days after application to see results. A second treatment may be needed for complete control.

• Reseed treated areas after 2-3 weeks to fill in bare spots where weeds die off.

Using selective herbicides provides an efficient way to get rid of broadleaf grass. But for a more eco-friendly approach, consider corn gluten meal.

Corn Gluten Meal

This all-natural product offers effective pre-emergent weed control. Derived from corn, corn gluten meal inhibits root development in seedlings. It won’t kill existing broadleaf grass, but can prevent new growth.

To use corn gluten meal for broadleaf grass:

• Apply in early spring, just as the soil temperature reaches about 50°F. This corresponds with the time weed seeds start germinating.

• Use a broadcast spreader to apply at a rate of 20 pounds per 1000 square feet. Water in thoroughly after application.

• Make a second application 6-8 weeks later to suppress any new weed growth.

• Corn gluten meal must make contact with the soil to be activated, so ensure the lawn is clear of leaves and debris before applying.

• Avoid using corn gluten meal if you plan to seed or overseed lawn grass in early spring. It will inhibit turf grass seed germination for 4-6 weeks after application.

Corn gluten meal provides natural pre-emergent control with no synthetic chemicals. For best weed suppression, use it alongside manual removal and spot herbicide treatments.

Lawn Care and Overseeding

The best defense against broadleaf grass and other weeds is a healthy, dense lawn. Proper mowing, watering, fertilization and overseeding helps your desired grasses thrive and compete against weed invaders.

• Mow high, around 3-4 inches. This shades the soil surface to deter weed seeds. Never scalp the lawn when mowing.

• Water deeply and infrequently. About 1-1.5 inches per week is sufficient, avoiding frequent shallow watering.

• Fertilize in fall with a slow-release, balanced turf-grade fertilizer. This strengthens grass plants going into winter.

• Overseed thin areas in fall with the same grass types already growing. Topdress with a thin layer of compost to help new seeds root.

• Dethatch and aerate periodically to alleviate soil compaction that favors weeds.

By promoting vigorous turf grass growth, you can reduce the open space where weeds like broadleaf grass can establish. Healthy, dense grass simply won’t allow them room to grow.

Eliminate Broadleaf Grass for Good

Broadleaf grass can be one of the toughest weeds to control in lawns. But with persistence using cultural practices and proven removal methods, you can eradicate this stubborn invader. Stop broadleaf grass in its tracks with prompt, repeated applications of selective herbicides and continual promotion of healthy turf. With time and diligent care, you’ll have a lush, weed-free lawn again.

Selective herbicides are designed to kill broadleaf weeds while leaving grass unharmed. These herbicides contain active ingredients like 2,4-D, which disrupts the growth of broadleaf plants without affecting grass.