Common Lawn Weeds
Lawn weeds and lawn weed control are concerns for many homeowners. Almost all types of lawns are susceptible to some type of weed, but conventional lawn care tactics generally include a plan for lawn weed control.
Lawn equipment such as lawn sprayers, weed eater grass trimmers, weed eater lawn mowers and more are designed to eliminate lawn weeds.
Most do-it-yourself lawn care is adequate in the area of lawn weed control, though many families will choose to hire professionals to maintain their lawns and to eliminate lawn weeds.
Types of Lawn Weeds
Lawn weeds generally present themselves as one of the following:
- Broad-Leafed Lawn Weeds: These are the easiest lawn weeds to identify. Very rarely do broad-leafed lawn weeds appear in single form. Generally two or more are present in one place. They can also have multiple leaves. Having a lawn of dense and healthy grass is one of the best ways to prevent and eliminate these lawn weeds.
- Grass-Like Lawn Weeds: These weeds look like grass at first glance but have different stem and root shapes. Colors and odors of grass-like lawn weeds will also be different from regular grass.
- Grassy-Type Lawn Weeds: These lawn weeds are harder to identify than other weed types. These weeds can be controlled by following a fertilization schedule and watering deeply, though infrequently. Mowing at the proper height is also helpful.
All of these weed types require different weed control methods.
Many lawn weeds are classified as annuals. This means that they sprout from seeds, blossom, create new seeds, die and then repeat the process yearly. These weeds are among the most difficult to remove, as their roots are often connected to your lawn and other plants.
Lawn weed control plans should include preventative measures for annual lawn weeds.
Annual Lawn Weeds
Annual lawn weeds are seasonal and vary based on climate.
Cool-season annuals are generally present in the early spring in the north and the winter in the south. They thrive in cool weather. Some of the most common include:
- chickweed
- henbit
- knotweed
- speedwell.
Following a specialized fertilization schedule, keeping your lawn mowed and raking up any of these species can help prevent them from taking hold in the future.
Cool-season perennials are mostly present in lawns in the springtime. The most common of these include:
- clover
- dandelions
- ground ivy
- plantain
- speedwell
- violets.
These lawn weeds can generally be controlled by raking, mowing immediately after raking and removing any stems from the area to prevent them from re-rooting.
Warm-season annuals include grow best in the summer during times of high heat. The most common warm-season annuals include:
- crabgrass
- purslane
- spurge
- wood sorrel.
Controlling these lawn weeds is a matter of following a specialized fertilization schedule and mowing the lawn at recommended height. Many also find it useful to collect and remove clippings immediately.
Warm-season perennials spread quickly when warm weather hits grasses and lawns that are meant for cool weather. Common warm-season perennials include:
- nimbleweed
- warm-season grasses.
Mowing high and removing clumps of these weeds down to the roots should be successful removal and prevention methods.
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