While a thick, healthy lawn is the best defense against weeds, they often sneak in wherever turf is thin or stressed. Once weeds gain a foothold, they can quickly spread unless both the weeds and the underlying lawn issues are addressed. Fortunately, with proper identification and timing, most lawn weeds can be controlled effectively.
Quick Weed Control Tips
- Healthy, dense turf prevents most weed problems
- Identify weeds before choosing a control method
- Pre-emergents are the most cost-effective long-term solution
- Fall is the best time to control many perennial weeds
Strengthen the Lawn First
Weeds thrive in weak lawns. Improving turf density is the first and most important step in long-term weed control.
- Cool-season lawns (fescue): Fertilize with winterizer in September and November (add October for high-quality turf).
- Warm-season lawns (bermuda): Fertilize in June; for premium lawns, also fertilize in May.
- Thin fescue lawns: Overseed in September, since fescue does not spread by rhizomes.
Identify the Weed
Correct identification is critical because different weeds require different control strategies. We’re always happy to help identify weeds—bring in a sample or use our
Weed Finder.
Types of Lawn Weeds
Annual Weeds
Annual weeds complete their life cycle in one year and are divided into summer and winter annuals.
- Summer annuals: Crabgrass, foxtail, prostrate spurge, purslane. Prevent with a pre-emergent in March.
- Winter annuals: Chickweed, henbit, and Little Barley (requires specific products). Prevent with a pre-emergent in September.
While many annual weeds can be sprayed after emergence, pre-emergents are usually more effective and economical when weeds are a recurring problem.
Perennial Broadleaf Weeds
Perennial broadleaf weeds return year after year and must be sprayed or physically removed.
- Common examples include dandelions, ground ivy, and bindweed.
- Use post-emergent herbicides labeled for your grass type.
- Fall is the best time to spray, as weeds are sending nutrients to their roots and will absorb herbicides more effectively.
Perennial Grassy Weeds
Perennial grasses are the most difficult weeds to control.
- Examples include orchardgrass and Johnsongrass.
- Control usually requires digging out clumps or spot-spraying with a non-selective herbicide such as glyphosate.
- Any treated areas will need to be reseeded or sodded.
Always get a positive identification before killing grassy weeds to avoid damaging desirable turf.
By combining proper lawn care, accurate identification, and well-timed treatments, most weed problems can be brought under control and prevented long term.
*Please read and follow all label instructions when applying chemicals.