Weeds are inevitable, but an infested lawn isn't. Learn to identify common lawn weeds and eliminate them with targeted treatments—whether you prefer chemical solutions or organic approaches.
Look like grass but grow differently. Examples: crabgrass, quackgrass, goosegrass.
Leaves are wider than grass blades. Examples: dandelions, clover, plantain.
Grass-like but with triangular stems. Example: nutsedge (nutgrass).
Digitaria spp.
The most common lawn weed. Spreads aggressively in thin or stressed lawns during hot weather.
Taraxacum officinale
Recognizable yellow flowers and fluffy seed heads. Deep taproots make complete removal challenging.
Trifolium repens
Three-leafed plant with white flowers. Actually beneficial for lawns (nitrogen-fixing) but spreads quickly.
Cyperus spp.
Not a grass—a sedge with triangular stems. Extremely difficult to control due to underground tubers.
Comparison Guide
Learn to tell these common grassy weeds apart—they require completely different control strategies.
The best weed control is a thick, healthy lawn that crowds out weeds naturally. Here's how:
Taller grass shades the soil, preventing weed seeds from germinating. Most lawns should be mowed at 3-4 inches.
Deep watering encourages deep grass roots while shallow-rooted weeds struggle. Aim for 1 inch per week.
A well-fed lawn outcompetes weeds. Follow your grass type's fertilization schedule.
Stop weeds before they start. Apply pre-emergent herbicide in early spring before soil temps hit 55°F.
Bare spots invite weeds. Fill them in with grass seed before weeds take hold.
Compacted or nutrient-deficient soil favors weeds over grass. Aerate and amend as needed.