Weeds in the yard - Ask Extension
I have a few different species of broadleaf weeds that are in the yard. What can I spray to get rid of them?
Knowledgebase
Weeds in the yard #938934
Asked July 11, 2026, 2:58 PM EDT
I have a few different species of broadleaf weeds that are in the yard. What can I spray to get rid of them?
Wayne County Michigan
Expert Response
Good Morning,
Believe it or not, hand-pulling is still one of the best defenses against weeds. Pulling annual weeds before they flower and seed is the simplest way to prevent them from spreading. Hand-pulling is easier when soil is moist. A sharp spade or digger can help do the job. Broadleaf weeds in newly seeded turfgrass areas can be most effectively controlled after the second or third mowing by using traditional broadleaf herbicides such as 2, 4-D, dichlorprop, mecoprop, triclopyr, dicamba or combinations of these materials. When selecting and using an herbicide, read and follow label directions carefully. Young seedlings don’t tolerate herbicides very well and the guideline is usually to wait three "real" mowings before applying any herbicides or in some cases at least 60 days. Real mowings mean you’re actually cutting grass, not just running over the area to trim down any weeds.
The first picture appears to be Horseweed (Conyza Canadensis).
Technical Note No. 58. Ecology and Management of Canadian horseweed (Conyza canadensis)
The second picture appears to be Wild violets (Viola papilionacea)
Wild Violet - Turf and Ground Ivy (Glechoma hederacea). Ground Ivy Control for Home Lawns - MSU Extension
Finally, the last picture appears to be dandelion (Taraxacum officinale). 2019WG-dandelion.pdf
2026 Weed Guide.indd
I hope this helps. Thanks for using our service.
Believe it or not, hand-pulling is still one of the best defenses against weeds. Pulling annual weeds before they flower and seed is the simplest way to prevent them from spreading. Hand-pulling is easier when soil is moist. A sharp spade or digger can help do the job. Broadleaf weeds in newly seeded turfgrass areas can be most effectively controlled after the second or third mowing by using traditional broadleaf herbicides such as 2, 4-D, dichlorprop, mecoprop, triclopyr, dicamba or combinations of these materials. When selecting and using an herbicide, read and follow label directions carefully. Young seedlings don’t tolerate herbicides very well and the guideline is usually to wait three "real" mowings before applying any herbicides or in some cases at least 60 days. Real mowings mean you’re actually cutting grass, not just running over the area to trim down any weeds.
The first picture appears to be Horseweed (Conyza Canadensis).
Technical Note No. 58. Ecology and Management of Canadian horseweed (Conyza canadensis)
The second picture appears to be Wild violets (Viola papilionacea)
Wild Violet - Turf and Ground Ivy (Glechoma hederacea). Ground Ivy Control for Home Lawns - MSU Extension
Finally, the last picture appears to be dandelion (Taraxacum officinale). 2019WG-dandelion.pdf
2026 Weed Guide.indd
I hope this helps. Thanks for using our service.
