Broadleaf Weeds

Broadleaf weeds are a category of weeds that have broad, flat leaves, unlike grassy weeds, which have narrow, blade-like leaves similar to turfgrass. Broadleaf weeds often stand out in lawns because their leaf shape, growth pattern, and flowers are very different from grass.

Common Broadleaf Weeds

Dandelions

Dandelions have incredibly strong and large roots and quickly spread and dominate lawns by stealing water, nutrients, and sunlight from turf. After blooming, dandelions turn into a puff of seeds that very easily spread by the wind.

White Clover

Clover thrives in nitrogen-poor soils, meaning it’s presence often means the lawn isn’t getting enough nutrients. Clover creates dense patches that crowd out turfgrass and spreads low to the ground, making it hard to cut when mowing.

Plantain (Broadleaf and Buckhorn)

 Plantain thrives in hard, compacted ground. Usually seeing plantain means there are underlying lawn problems such as poor aeration, drainage, or neglected maintenance. They have fibrous root systems that anchor them tightly to the ground and they grow flat and low so they survive and thrive under mower blades. 

Ground Ivy (Creeping Charlie)

Creeping Charlie grows like crazy. It smothers gross by forming a thick groundcover that blocks sunlight. It’s dense mats spread fast across turf, garden beds, and even into shady areas where grass struggles. If you have creeping Charlie on your lawn, it’s usually a sign of a bigger lawn issue, such as moisture/drainage, and/or light exposure.

Chickweed (Stellaria media)

Chickweed is very similar to Creeping Charlie, as it forms dense mat that overtakes bare spots and spreads rapidly. It smothers out grass, and is a sign of poor lawn conditions such as moist areas, compacted/low nutrients in soil and overall weak turf. Once established, it’s extremely hard to get rid of.