Broadleaf weeds can be a real eyesore in an otherwise healthy, green lawn. With their wide leaves, fast growth, and sometimes aggressive spreading habits, these weeds compete with your grass for nutrients, water, and space. If left untreated, they can take over patches of your lawn—and undo all your hard work.
The good news is that broadleaf weeds can be effectively managed with the right strategy. In this guide, we’ll show you how to properly identify common culprits, choose the right herbicide for your situation, and get your lawn back to full health.
What Are Broadleaf Weeds?
Broadleaf weeds are a category of plants that have wide, flat leaves rather than narrow, grass-like blades. They often grow in clumps and can vary widely in appearance. Some of the most common broadleaf weeds found in Australian lawns include:
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Bindii – A spiky weed that causes painful prickles in bare feet
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Clover – Often seen in cooler months, with small round leaves and white or pink flowers
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Capeweed – Recognisable by its flat growth and large yellow daisy-like flowers
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Cudweed – Grows in small rosettes with fuzzy leaves
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Dandelion – Known for its fluffy seed heads and deep taproots
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Thistles – Spiny and sharp, making lawns uncomfortable to walk on
Proper identification is the first—and most important—step in weed control. Treating the wrong weed with the wrong product won’t be effective and could stress your lawn unnecessarily.
Why Correct Identification Matters
Many broadleaf weeds look similar, especially in early growth stages. Some herbicides are more effective against certain weeds than others, so it pays to know what you’re dealing with.
For example:
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Dicamba M is a powerful selective herbicide that targets a wide variety of broadleaf weeds and is particularly effective on thistles, capeweed, and dandelion.
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Bow and Arrow is a specialist option for tougher-to-kill weeds like clover and bindii, and it’s safe on common warm-season grasses like buffalo, couch, and kikuyu.
Using the wrong herbicide may not only be ineffective but could damage your lawn if it’s not compatible with your turf variety.
Choosing Between Dicamba M and Bow and Arrow
Both herbicides have their strengths. Here’s how to choose the right one for your situation:
Dicamba M
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Contains dicamba and MCPA
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Broad-spectrum control
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Best for lawns where multiple weed types are present
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More cost-effective per square metre
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Should not be used on buffalo lawns
Best for: Couch and kikuyu lawns with large infestations of multiple broadleaf weed types.
Bow and Arrow
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Contains three active ingredients including MCPA, clopyralid and diflufenican
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Designed for use on a wide range of lawn types, including buffalo
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Offers excellent control of bindii, clover, cudweed and creeping oxalis
Best for: Lawns with tricky weeds like clover or oxalis, especially if you have a buffalo lawn.
Tips for Better Weed Control
Whichever product you use, following the right application technique is key. Here’s how to get the best results:
Apply to actively growing weeds
Herbicides work best when weeds are actively growing and not under stress from drought or frost.
Spray in mild conditions
Avoid spraying in extreme heat or when rain is forecast within 48 hours.
Use a calibrated sprayer
Ensure you’re applying the correct rate over the correct area. A knapsack or pressure sprayer gives much better control than a hose-on attachment.
Add a surfactant
This helps the herbicide spread evenly across the weed’s surface and stick better, improving uptake.
Avoid mowing immediately before or after
Don’t mow for 2–3 days before and after application. This allows the weeds to fully absorb the treatment.
Repeat if necessary
Some weeds (like oxalis or capeweed) may need a second application 2–3 weeks later. Always follow the product label instructions.
Prevent Weeds from Coming Back
Weed control isn’t just about spraying—it’s about making your lawn strong enough to outcompete weeds naturally. After you’ve knocked down the weed infestation, here’s how to stop them from coming back:
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Fertilise regularly to keep grass growing thick and dense
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Mow at the correct height for your grass type to shade out weed seeds
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Water deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root growth
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Fill in bare patches quickly to prevent weeds taking hold
A healthy, well-maintained lawn is your best defence against broadleaf weeds.
Summary
Broadleaf weeds don’t stand a chance if you know what you’re up against. Start by identifying the weed, then choose the herbicide that matches your lawn type and the weed species.
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Use Dicamba M for broad infestations on couch and kikuyu.
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Use Bow and Arrow for clover, bindii and oxalis, especially on buffalo lawns.
Apply with care, use a surfactant, and follow up with good lawn care habits to prevent future invasions. The result? A lush, green lawn that’s the envy of the street.
