How to Identify and Control 30 Common Lawn Weeds

A lush, vibrant lawn is every homeowner's dream. However, the battle against lawn weeds can make achieving that goal feel like an uphill climb. From dandelions to crabgrass, these unwanted invaders compete with your turfgrass for sunlight, nutrients, and water, leaving lawns looking patchy and unhealthy. But don't worry—with the right identification methods and weed control strategies, you can reclaim your lawn.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through how to identify common lawn weeds and provide actionable solutions for control.

What Are Lawn Weeds?

Lawn weeds are plants that grow where they're not wanted. These opportunistic species thrive in areas where the lawn is weak or stressed. Weeds are classified into three main categories:

• Broadleaf Weeds

Recognizable by their wide leaves, these weeds often feature bright or noticeable flowers. Examples include dandelions and ground ivy.

• Grassy Weeds

These resemble grass but differ in texture and growth habits. Common examples include crabgrass and goosegrass.

• Sedges

Though similar to grass, sedges can be distinguished by their triangular-shaped stems. Nutsedge is the most familiar member of this group.

Understanding which category your lawn weeds belong to is essential for choosing the right control methods.

Common Lawn Weeds and How to Identify Them

Accurate identification is the first step to effective weed control. Below are some prevalent lawn weeds, their characteristics, and control tips:

1. Dandelions

• Type: Broadleaf perennial weed

• Features: Bright yellow flowers that develop into fluffy seed heads; deeply lobed leaves forming a rosette.

• Control Methods:

• Hand-pull early in the season when the soil is moist to remove the entire taproot.

  • Use a selective broadleaf herbicide for larger infestations.

2. Crabgrass

• Type: Grassy weed

• Features: Flat blades form dense, low-growing mats and spread outward from a central point.

• Control Methods:

• Apply a pre-emergent herbicide in early spring to prevent seed germination.

  • Maintain a healthy lawn to outcompete crabgrass.

3. Ground Ivy (Creeping Charlie)

• Type: Broadleaf perennial weed

• Features: Kidney-shaped leaves with scalloped edges; creeping stems with small purple flowers.

• Control Methods:

• Apply herbicides containing triclopyr to creeping charlie during its active growth phase.

  • Improve soil drainage and aerate compacted areas to discourage its growth.

4. White Clover

• Type: Broadleaf perennial weed

• Features: Clustered leaves with white markings, producing pink or white flowers.

• Control Methods:

• Dig out white clover manually for small patches.

  • For larger areas, use a broadleaf herbicide.

  • Fertilize your lawn with nitrogen to discourage clover growth.

5. Nutsedge

• Type: Sedge

• Features: Triangular stems; stiff, bright green leaves in clusters of three.

• Control Methods:

• Apply post-emergent herbicides specifically designed for sedges.

  • Prevent growth by improving lawn drainage.

6. Canada Thistle

• Type: Broadleaf perennial weed

• Features: Sharp spiny leaves and purple flowers; spreads aggressively via rhizomes.

• Control Methods:

• Repeatedly apply herbicides targeted at thistle species.

  • Maintain a strong turf to limit thistle propagation.

7. Henbit

• Type: Broadleaf winter annual

• Features: Upright stems with scalloped leaves and tubular purple flowers.

• Control Methods:

• Hand-pull before flowering to prevent seed production.

  • Use a post-emergent herbicide in early spring or late fall.

8. Chickweed

• Type: Broadleaf winter annual

• Features: Small, oval leaves and tiny white star-shaped flowers; grows in dense mats.

• Control Methods:

• Hand-pull or hoe young plants before they flower.

  • Use a pre-emergent herbicide in the fall to prevent germination.

Broadleaf Plantain (left) and Buckhorn Plantain (right).

9. Plantain (Broadleaf and Buckhorn)

• Type: Broadleaf perennial weed

• Features: Broadleaf plantain has large, rounded leaves; buckhorn plantain has narrow, lance-shaped leaves. Both have tall seed stalks.

• Control Methods:

• Hand-pull or dig out, ensuring the entire root is removed.

  • Apply a broadleaf herbicide for infestations.

10. Oxalis (Yellow Woodsorrel)

• Type: Broadleaf perennial weed

• Features: Clover-like leaves with yellow flowers; forms dense clusters.

• Control Methods:

• Hand-pull before seedpods mature.

  • Use a post-emergent herbicide for larger areas.

11. Purslane

• Type: Broadleaf summer annual

• Features: Thick, fleshy leaves with a reddish stem; tiny yellow flowers.

• Control Methods:

• Hand-pull or hoe young plants before they set seed.

  • Apply a pre-emergent herbicide to prevent growth.

12. Spotted Spurge

• Type: Broadleaf summer annual

• Features: Small, dark green leaves with a reddish spot in the center; grows low to the ground in mats.

• Control Methods:

• Pull plants by hand, ensuring you remove the taproot.

  • Use a pre-emergent herbicide to prevent germination.

13. Wild Violet

• Type: Broadleaf perennial weed

• Features: Heart-shaped leaves with purple or blue flowers; spreads through underground rhizomes.

• Control Methods:

• Hand-pull or use a weeding tool to remove roots.

  • Apply a broadleaf herbicide in the fall when it's actively storing energy in the roots.

14. Foxtail

• Type: Grassy summer annual

• Features: Long, flat blades and bushy seed heads that resemble fox tails.

• Control Methods:

• Mow regularly to prevent seed heads from forming.

  • Apply a pre-emergent herbicide in early spring.

15. Bindweed

• Type: Broadleaf perennial weed

• Features: Twining vine with arrow-shaped leaves and white or pink funnel-shaped flowers.

• Control Methods:

• Hand-pull repeatedly to weaken the root system.

  • Use systemic herbicides to target deep roots.

16. Quackgrass

• Type: Perennial grassy weed

• Features: Long, coarse blades and creeping underground rhizomes.

• Control Methods:

• Hand-pull, ensuring you remove all rhizomes.

  • Use a non-selective herbicide for persistent infestations.

17. Prostrate Knotweed

• Type: Broadleaf summer annual

• Features: Small, tough leaves and wiry stems that grow close to the ground.

• Control Methods:

• Pull young plants by hand or cultivate before seed formation.

  • Apply a pre-emergent herbicide to prevent germination.

18. Poison Ivy

• Type: Perennial broadleaf weed

• Features: Recognizable by its clusters of three green leaves, which may have smooth or slightly notched edges. The plant can grow as a shrub, ground cover, or climbing vine.

• Control Methods:

• Wear protective clothing and carefully hand-pull poison ivy, ensuring you remove the entire root system to prevent regrowth.

  • Use a targeted herbicide specifically formulated for woody plants. Avoid burning, as inhaling the smoke can cause severe respiratory irritation.

19. Common Ragweed

• Type: Annual broadleaf weed

• Features: Serrated, fern-like leaves and greenish flower spikes that release large amounts of pollen, a common allergen.

• Control Methods:

• Pull or mow plants before they flower to reduce pollen and seed production.

  • Use a selective broadleaf herbicide for effective control.

20. Poison Oak

• Type: Perennial broadleaf weed

• Features: Clusters of three lobed leaves that can cause skin irritation. Leaves turn red in the fall.

• Control Methods:

• Wear protective clothing and hand-pull plants, ensuring the entire root is removed.

  • Apply a systemic herbicide designed for woody plants.

21. Prostrate Spurge

• Type: Summer annual broadleaf weed

• Features: Low-growing, mat-forming weed with small, dark green leaves and a reddish stem. Produces a milky sap when broken.

• Control Methods:

• Pull plants while young and before they produce seeds.

  • Use a pre-emergent herbicide to prevent germination.

22. Dollarweed

• Type: Perennial broadleaf weed

• Features: Round, shiny green leaves that resemble a silver dollar. Thrives in moist or overwatered areas.

• Control Methods:

• Improve drainage and reduce irrigation in affected areas.

  • Apply a selective broadleaf herbicide for control.

23. Purple Deadnettle

• Type: Winter annual broadleaf weed

• Features: Triangular, purple-hued leaves and small pinkish-purple flowers. Grows in clusters in disturbed areas.

• Control Methods:

• Pull plants by hand before they set seeds.

  • Use a post-emergent herbicide for widespread infestations.

24. Dallisgrass

• Type: Perennial grassy weed

• Features: Large clumps with coarse, wide leaves and seed heads resembling a cluster of black kernels.

• Control Methods:

• Spot-treat with a non-selective herbicide.

  • Remove clumps by digging out the roots entirely.

25. Goosegrass

• Type: Annual grassy weed

• Features: Low-growing with flattened stems and seed heads that spread outward like spokes on a wheel.

• Control Methods:

• Use a pre-emergent herbicide in early spring.

  • Maintain a dense, healthy lawn to crowd out goosegrass.

26. Common Mallow

• Type: Annual or biennial broadleaf weed

• Features: Round, scalloped leaves with small, pale purple flowers. Forms a low-growing mat.

• Control Methods:

• Pull or dig out young plants before they flower.

  • Use a selective broadleaf herbicide for larger infestations.

27. Black Medic

• Type: Broadleaf summer annual

• Features: Clover-like leaves with small yellow flowers. Forms dense mats and thrives in low-nitrogen soils.

• Control Methods:

• Fertilize with nitrogen to outcompete black medic.

  • Hand-pull or use a selective broadleaf herbicide.

28. Horsetail Weed

• Type: Perennial grassy weed

• Features: Thin, jointed stems resembling a small bamboo plant. Lacks true leaves and flowers.

• Control Methods:

• Improve drainage and soil conditions to reduce growth.

  • Apply a targeted herbicide labeled for horsetail weed.

29. Shepherd's Purse

• Type: Winter annual broadleaf weed

• Features: Basal rosette of leaves with small white flowers and heart-shaped seed pods.

• Control Methods:

• Remove plants by hand before seed pods mature.

  • Use a pre-emergent herbicide for prevention.

30. Prickly Lettuce

• Type: Annual or biennial broadleaf weed

• Features: Tall, spiny stems with lobed leaves and small yellow flowers. Milky sap may ooze from broken stems.

• Control Methods:

• Remove by hand when young, ensuring you pull out the taproot.

  • Use a post-emergent herbicide for larger infestations.

By understanding these common weeds and their control methods, you can maintain a healthy, weed-free lawn!

Tools and Techniques for Weed Identification

Effectively identifying lawn weeds requires a close look at their unique characteristics and growth habits. Proper identification is crucial for determining the best approach to managing unwanted weeds in your lawn. Here are some key factors to observe:

Leaf Shape & Margins

The shape and edges of leaves can reveal a lot about the type of weed. For example, broadleaf weeds like dandelions have distinctive lobed leaves that make them easy to spot, while ground ivy features scalloped edges along its leaves.

In contrast, grassy weeds, such as crabgrass, typically have slender, blade-like leaves that resemble those of turf grass, making them trickier to identify at first glance.

Flower Features

Flowers play a significant role in identifying weeds. Dandelions, one of the most common lawn invaders, are known for their bright yellow flowers that stand tall on single stems.

Ground ivy and creeping Charlie, on the other hand, often display small purple or blue flowers, while clover is recognized by its delicate white or pink blooms.

These flower colors and shapes can be a clear indicator of the weed species in your lawn.

Stem Structure

Examining the stem structure is another effective way to differentiate weed types. Sedges, for instance, have a signature feature—triangular stems that can be felt if you roll them between your fingers.

In contrast, most other weed types, like clover or crabgrass, have round stems. Paying attention to this detail helps to quickly narrow down the possibilities.

Growth Patterns

How weeds grow can also provide essential clues. Dandelions grow as rosettes, where the leaves radiate out from a central point close to the ground.

By comparison, ground ivy and white clover spread horizontally across the lawn using creeping stems, forming dense mats that can quickly take over.

Grassy weeds, meanwhile, grow outward from a central point, often mimicking the growth pattern of regular grass, which makes them harder to detect without careful observation.

Additional Tools for Weed Identification

To make your weed identification process even easier, consider using the right tools:

• Magnifying Glasses: Useful for closely inspecting small details like leaf edges, flower shapes, or stem structures.

• Measuring Rulers: Helpful for determining the size of leaves or stems, which can be key to distinguishing between similar-looking weeds.

• Mobile Apps: There are many apps designed to identify plants and weeds through photos, helping you to quickly and accurately determine the type of weed you're dealing with.

By combining careful observation with the use of these tools, you can confidently identify the weeds in your lawn and take the appropriate steps to manage them. Remember, knowledge is your best ally in maintaining a healthy, weed-free lawn!

How to Get Rid of Lawn Weeds Effectively

Weeds can quickly take over your lawn if not managed properly. Now that you can identify common weeds, here are detailed strategies to help you get rid of them and maintain a thriving, healthy lawn:

1. Cultural Controls

A strong and healthy lawn is your best defense against weeds and a way to get rid of them naturally, without relying on harsh chemicals.

• Mowing: Mow your lawn regularly, but avoid cutting the grass too short. Keeping it at the recommended height for the grass type shades out weeds and prevents them from getting enough sunlight to grow.

• Fertilization: Apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer to boost the density of your turfgrass. A thick, healthy lawn leaves little room for weeds to sprout and take hold, reducing the need for other weed control methods.

• Watering: Water deeply but less frequently to encourage grass roots to grow deeper. Shallow, frequent watering creates weak roots, which makes your lawn more vulnerable to weed invasions. A strong root system helps grass outcompete weeds.

2. Mulching

Mulching garden beds is a simple yet effective way to prevent weeds from taking over garden beds or bare soil areas. Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch, such as wood chips or straw, to block sunlight and stop weed seeds from germinating.

Mulch also helps retain soil moisture and improves soil health over time, creating less-favorable conditions for weeds.

3. Manual Removal

When weeds appear, especially in small numbers, hand-pulling them can be highly effective. Use a weeding tool or your hands to remove weeds completely, making sure to extract the entire root system.

This is especially important for deep-rooted weeds like dandelions or thistles, as leaving the roots can cause them to regrow. For larger infestations, consider dividing the task into smaller sections to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

4. Chemical Controls

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, cultural and manual controls may not be enough to tackle a persistent weed problem. In this case, chemical solutions can help. Always follow the product instructions carefully to avoid harming your lawn or the environment.

• Pre-Emergent Weed Killers: These products stop weeds like crabgrass from germinating. Apply them in early spring before the weeds begin to sprout. Timing is critical for these weed killers to work effectively, so check your local growing conditions and apply them accordingly.

• Post-Emergent Weed Killers: For weeds that are already actively growing, post-emergent herbicides are a good option. They're particularly effective on broadleaf weeds such as ground ivy and white clover. Choose selective herbicides that target weeds while sparing your grass, and apply them on calm, dry days to avoid drift.

5. Aeration and Overseeding

Compacted soil creates a challenging environment for grass to thrive and gives weeds the upper hand.

Aeration loosens the soil, improves airflow, and allows water and nutrients to reach grass roots more effectively. Pair aeration with overseeding in the fall to fill in thin or bare patches of your lawn. Dense, healthy turf leaves little room for weeds to grow, providing long-term weed control.

By combining these strategies, you can effectively get rid of weeds and prevent them from returning, ensuring your lawn stays lush and beautiful year-round.

Long-Term Weed Prevention Strategies

Consistency is key when it comes to maintaining a weed-free lawn. A proactive approach will save you time, effort, and frustration in the long run. Consider these preventive steps:

Regular Lawn Maintenance

Follow best practices for mowing, watering, and fertilization to keep your grass strong and healthy. A well-maintained lawn is better equipped to outcompete weeds, making it harder for them to establish. Be sure to mow at the correct height for your grass type, as cutting too short can weaken your lawn and invite weed growth.

Overseed Bare Patches

Bare spots in your lawn are like an open invitation for weeds to take root. Overseeding these areas with the right grass seed not only fills in gaps but also ensures your lawn grows more thickly, reducing opportunities for weed seeds to germinate and spread.

Monitor Problem Areas

Some areas of your lawn might be more prone to weed growth due to factors like poor drainage, compacted soil, or heavy foot traffic. Regularly inspect these spots and address new weed growth promptly before it spreads. Catching weeds early can save you from a larger infestation later.

Invest in Quality Mulch

For garden beds and landscaped areas, applying a thick layer of high-quality mulch can work wonders in suppressing weed growth. Mulch blocks sunlight, which weeds need to grow, while also helping retain soil moisture and regulate temperature, keeping your plants healthier in the process.

By combining these strategies and staying consistent, you can create a robust, healthy lawn that naturally resists weed infestations. A little extra effort upfront will result in a lush, green yard you can enjoy for years to come.

Time to Reclaim Your Lawn!

Controlling lawn weeds doesn't have to be overwhelming. By learning to identify common offenders and applying the right mix of prevention, cultural practices, and control measures, you can achieve a thriving, weed-free lawn.

Take the first step today—inspect your lawn to identify any persistent weeds you've encountered, and plan your control strategy. For effective tools and herbicides to assist with weed management, visit DIY Pest Control. A lush, healthy lawn is within your reach!