Common Lawn Weeds and How to Eliminate Them
A lush, green lawn is every homeowner’s dream, but weeds can quickly turn that dream into a patchy, frustrating mess. Identifying and eliminating common lawn weeds is key to maintaining a healthy yard. Here’s a guide to the most common culprits and how to get rid of them effectively.
Dandelions, officially known as Taraxacum officinale, are bright yellow flowers that turn into fluffy seed heads. They spread quickly and compete with grass for nutrients, making them an issue to any yard. There are a few ways to eliminate them, starting with simply pulling them out by hand, making sure to remove the entire taproot. You can also apply a selective broadleaf herbicide in early fall or spring. Maintaining a thick lawn to crowd them out is also a helpful strategy.
Digitaria spp., commonly known as crabgrass, is a low-growing grass with wide blades and a crab-like spread. It thrives in thin, bare spots and spreads aggressively. It is best to mow high to shade the soil and prevent seed growth and improve lawn density with overseeding. To eliminate, use a pre-emergent herbicide in early spring before seeds germinate.
Trifolium repens refers to clover, which has small, round leaves in groups of three, often with white flowers. It can take over under fertilized lawns quickly. Apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer to discourage clover from rooting. Use a broadleaf herbicide if needed. Be sure to keep your lawn well-fed and mowed to help keep clover away.
Chickweed, or Stellaria media, is a small, star-shaped white flower with a sprawling stem. It grows and thrives in cool, moist areas and spreads quickly. To eliminate this weed, it is recommended to hand-pull or hoe the weed before it flowers. Apply a post-emergent herbicide in early spring. Improving drainage and reducing shade in problem areas will also help deter chickweed.
Plantain, or Plantago major, has brown, oval leaves with prominent veins and tall seed spikes. It thrives in compacted soil and resists mowing. To help eliminate this weed, aerate your lawn to reduce soil compaction. Use a selective herbicide targeting broadleaf weeds and try to maintain healthy soil and turf.
With any weed that you come across, there are a few simple ways you can prevent their growth. Mow high. Taller grass shades the soil, making it harder for weeds to grow. Watering deeply and infrequently encourages deep root growth in grass. Fertilize appropriately. Healthy grass is your best defense against weeds. You can also overseed bare spots to prevent weeds from taking hold in then areas. Weeds are persistent, but with the right approach, they don’t have to take over your lawn. Regular maintenance, proper lawn care practices, and timely weed control can keep your yard looking its best all season long.
