The Worst Lawn Weeds for Your Yard

Does keeping your lawn green and weed-free feel like a never ending battle? Most homeowners spend hours each week watering, mowing and weeding their lawns, yet those same lawn weeds keep popping up over and over. Not only are lawn weeds unsightly, if left untreated they can take over your lawn. The best way to stop these annoying lawn weeds is to spot them early and treat them before they spread. Keeping an eye out for newly emerging weeds is the best way to stop a full-fledged invasion. Here is a list of some of the worst lawn weeds for your yard.

Bermuda Grass

Bermuda grass is often grown as a lawn in warm climates, but when it spreads to unwanted areas it becomes a particularly stubborn lawn weed. The seeds of common Bermuda grass can lie dormant in the ground for 2 years or longer, meaning it may keep popping up long after it’s removed.

Bind Weed

Bind weed is also known as wild morning glory. Don’t let the pretty flower fool you – this lawn weed is a nuisance. New plants will spring up from even the smallest bit of root left in the ground. And seeds can lie dormant for 50 years before blooming again!

Common Mallow

Common mallow, sometimes called cheeseweed, has a deep, woody taproot that makes it difficult to remove by pulling. If plants aren’t removed when they are young, this persistent lawn weed will spread seeds that are particularly hardy and long-lasting.

Dandelions

Dandelions are one lawn weed that everyone recognizes. With a thick taproot and windborne seeds, they are difficult to remove and spread easily. Dandelions are quick to settle in where grass is thin, but, like many weeds, can be kept at bay by keeping your lawn thick and healthy.

Spotted Spurge

You’ve probably seen spotted spurge growing in cracks on sidewalks and driveways, but it also likes to grow in lawns. This lawn weed forms a low mat of leaves that are easier to pull than other types of lawn weeds. However, it produces a large number of seeds, which means that it will probably spread faster than you can pull it.

Wild Blackberry

Wild blackberry can take over the landscape in a hurry. This pesky weed spreads by seed as well as a hard-to-remove perennial root system that sends out underground runners. Plus, the tasty fruit means that birds and other animals are quick to help distribute seeds in their droppings.

Yellow Nutsedge

Yellow nutsedge (or yellow nutgrass) is a tenacious lawn weed that spreads both by seed and underground tubers. It’s possible to pull young plants before tubers are formed, but this noxious weed is notoriously difficult to control.

What to Do When You Find Lawn Weeds

There are many solutions for treating lawn weeds, some better than others. Pulling weeds can be labor intensive and extremely frustrating when the weeds reappear within days. The roots of some weeds will eventually weaken after being pulled repeatedly, but most will come back undaunted no matter how many times you remove them. There are also many herbicide options, but it’s important that these chemicals are used correctly. With a variety of products on the market, it’s important to choose the right products for your lawn. If you’re feeling unsure of the best way to remove the lawn weeds in your yard, you might want to consider contacting a lawn care company in your area that specializes in weed removal. When your lawn is properly cared for, the thick grass will leave no room for lawn weeds to rear their ugly heads.