Broadleaf Weed Wipeout Tips: How to Take Back Your Lawn

Broadleaf weed problems are one of the most common issues Aussie homeowners face. These pesky weeds stand out with their wide leaves, fast spread, and ability to choke out healthy turf. If you're dealing with clover, bindii, oxalis, dandelion, or capeweed, you're not alone. The good news? With the right approach, you can wipe out a broadleaf weed infestation and restore your lawn to full health.

This guide will walk you through what a broadleaf weed is, why they appear, and most importantly, how to get rid of them effectively without harming your grass.

A broadleaf weed is any weed with flat, wide leaves, often growing in contrast to the fine blades of turfgrass. Unlike grassy weeds (like winter grass or summer grass), broadleaf weeds are easy to spot and often flower, spread by seed, and grow quickly when lawns are weak or patchy.

Common broadleaf weed types in Australian lawns include:

• Bindii: Produces painful prickles in summer

• Clover: Has three-lobed leaves and small white flowers

• Oxalis: Spreads rapidly and resembles clover but with yellow flowers

• Capeweed: Large flat leaves with yellow daisy-like flowers

• Dandelion: Deep taproot and puffy seed heads

These weeds thrive in poor soil, compacted areas, or lawns with low fertility. That’s why healthy lawns are the best defence against any broadleaf weed outbreak.

There are a few reasons why you might suddenly see broadleaf weeds popping up:

• Lack of nutrients: Poorly fertilised lawns can’t compete with aggressive weeds

• Bare patches: Open soil gives weeds space to germinate and spread

• Overwatering: Can encourage weed seed germination in certain lawn types

• Compacted soil: Roots struggle, weeds take advantage

Once a broadleaf weed establishes itself, it will quickly spread if not controlled early. Many produce seeds that can remain dormant in your soil, returning year after year.

1. Identify the Weeds

Start by identifying which broadleaf weed you’re dealing with. Some, like bindii or oxalis, require specific herbicides or repeat applications. Others, like clover and capeweed, are more easily controlled.

Use a weed ID guide or send a photo to your local turf specialist if unsure.

2. Use a Selective Broadleaf Herbicide

A selective broadleaf weed herbicide targets the weeds without harming your lawn. Products like Bow and Arrow are highly effective and safe for buffalo, couch, kikuyu, and zoysia.

Tips for best results:

• Mow 2–3 days before application

• Apply on a dry day with no wind or rain forecast

• Don’t mow again for 3–5 days after spraying

• Avoid watering for 24 hours

Repeat applications may be needed for stubborn weeds like oxalis.

3. Spot Spray for Isolated Weeds

If the infestation isn’t widespread, use a spot sprayer to target individual broadleaf weed patches. This reduces chemical use and protects nearby plants or garden beds.

4. Feed Your Lawn

After treatment, feed your lawn to help it recover and thicken up. A dense lawn naturally smothers future broadleaf weed seeds and reduces the chance of a repeat invasion.

We recommend:

• Pure Balance : A well-rounded liquid fertiliser for recovery

• Pure Iron+ : To boost colour without excessive growth

• Apply 1–2 weeks after herbicide application for best results

5. Fix Thin or Bare Areas

Broadleaf weeds love bare patches. Repair damaged spots by:

• Aerating compacted areas

• Spreading seed or sprigs to fill gaps

• Topdressing lightly with soil or sand

The faster your lawn covers the soil, the fewer weeds you'll see.

6. Apply Pre-Emergent in Autumn and Spring

To stop broadleaf weed seeds from sprouting, apply a pre-emergent herbicide like Spartan before peak germination. Autumn and early spring are ideal.

This stops many annual weeds before they emerge, including bindii, capeweed, and others.

Once you’ve cleaned up your lawn, prevention becomes your top priority.

• Mow regularly to the right height for your grass type

• Fertilise monthly with a product like Pure Balance or Pure Seaweed+

• Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep roots

• Aerate seasonally to relieve compaction

• Spot treat weeds early before they spread

Healthy lawns are much more resistant to future broadleaf weed problems.

Broadleaf weeds are annoying, but they don’t have to take over your lawn. With a combination of selective herbicides, regular feeding, and solid lawn care habits, you can wipe out existing weeds and prevent new ones from creeping in.

Consistency is key. Stay on top of it, and your lawn will stay green, thick, and broadleaf weed-free all year round.