How To Get Rid Of Common Chickweed
The common chickweed, Stellaria media, is a common weed that you can find in lawns and gardens across the United States. This pesky little weed has small white flowers with five petals and grows to around 3-6 inches in the sun and up to 17 inches in the shade. The common chickweed thrives in moist environments, and it is often found in damp soil along driveways, sidewalks, and other areas that hold moisture.
The common chickweed can easily be identified by its small white flowers with five petals and smooth green leaves with sharp points at the tips. It can grow up to six inches tall and will usually spread out close to the ground if it isn't regularly pulled.
Key Takeaways
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Located primarily in Europe and North American climates, the common chickweed is an edible leafy green weed.
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As its name suggests, chickweed is one of the most common weeds found on lawns due to its easily transportable seeds.
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Reducing moisture in problem areas and fixing drain issues may greatly help to limit and control chickweed.
Common Chickweed Identification And Inspection
Characteristics Of Common Chickweed
Chickweed is an annual winter weed that often invades yards, gardens, and other outdoor spaces. While it might appear at first glance to have ten petals due to the unique split in each of its small white flowers, closer inspection reveals only five actual petals.
Its simple lance-shaped or ovate, hairy leaves are smooth along their edges and can be spotted as early as late winter or springtime - making them all too familiar for many homeowners. Chickweed has an efficient life cycle that allows it to easily spread from year to year.
Common Chickweed Inspection
When it comes to confirming a chickweed infestation, an inspection is key. Start by walking through the yard and observe any areas which are frequently shaded or have poor drainage. These shallow root systems form into dense mats and are likely spotted with plants containing small, egg-shaped leaves growing in clumps.
Depending on the severity of your chickweed problem, you can then choose between manual or chemical means of control or a combination of both. Proper observation is crucial to identify the type and extent of the problem.
Control Common Chickweed
How To Get Rid Of Common Chickweed
Controlling chickweed in your lawn can be a tough challenge, but with the right approach, it can be done effectively. Killing chickweed requires using a weed killer, either a selective or non-selective herbicide, at an appropriate time in its growth cycle; applying non-selective herbicides during active growth in fall and spring is recommended. Be sure to wear appropriate protective gear when applying such herbicides and to always follow safety precautions. With this approach, you can successfully control and thoroughly get rid of chickweed from your lawn.
View our safe products for your specific variety of grass:
Common Chickweed Selective Herbicide Recommendations
Alligare Dicamba + 2,4-D DMA: This powerful blend of 2,4-D 36.0% and Dicamba 12.5% is a cut above the competition when it comes to controlling and exterminating even the most persistent broadleaf weeds such as annuals, biennials or perennials - as well as brush.
Trimec Southern Herbicide: Trimec Southern is a powerhouse of an herbicide, combining three tough active ingredients - MCPP, 2.4-D, and Dicamba - to effectively tackle the full range of weeds in southern grasses. With its smart formulation reducing risk exposure for turfgrass, Trimec Southern delivers unbeatable results on over 90 broadleaf pests; clover, dandelion, and spurge are no match! It uniquely shines when it comes to pesky chickweed control as well.
Non-Selective Herbicide Recommendations
Care must be taken when using non-selective herbicides on turfgrass and lawns, as these chemicals can cause damage to desirable plants and vegetation. Non-selective herbicides kill a wide range of weeds, grasses, and other plants in their paths. It is important to read all labels before use and follow directions precisely.
Agrisel Gly Pho-Sel Pro 41% (Glyphosate Herbicide): Agrisel Gly Pho-Sel Pro is the perfect solution for both professional landscapers and homeowners - it offers fast, efficient weed control with 41% glyphosate plus 15% surfactant. It's a non-selective post-emergent herbicide that eliminates all kinds of weeds, including annual weeds like chickweed. See the product label for further details on compatible grasses/weeds.
Common Chickweed Prevention
To prevent chickweed from recurring, we recommend applying a pre-emergent herbicide with prodiamine such as Tenacity. This will counteract the weed seeds' ability to sprout and can reduce established weeds too! Additionally, addressing any drainage issues in the area is paramount for preventing future outbreaks of this pesky plant. As an added measure of prevention, reducing frequent watering and adding organic mulch leads towards choking out any potential entry points for new seedlings - helping you keep your healthy lawn looking great all year round!
Recommended Common Chickweed Prevention Products
Tenacity Herbicide: Tenacity is an effective post-emergent herbicide formulated for safe use in newly seeded and established turf, particularly cool season grasses. For optimal results on weed control, two applications of Tenacity are recommended to eliminate a full range of troublesome weeds from your lawn.
Do-It-Yourself Pest Control Can Help You Eliminate Common Chickweed
Eliminating common chickweed from your lawn doesn't have to be a daunting task. With the right tools, proper technique, and common sense safety measures, you can take on this pesky weed with confidence. Our comprehensive selection of selective and non-selective herbicides makes it easy to choose the best products for your specific grass type, enabling you to get rid of common chickweed with ease.
Our team of lawn care experts is here to make sure you get the most out of your DIY yard care products. If you have any questions or need additional help, please don't hesitate to reach out! We're always happy to help and provide advice for common chickweed treatments and beyond. Get started today and make sure common chickweed never stands a chance against your lawn.