Top 5 Most Common Lawn Weeds (And How to Get Rid of Them for Good)

Keeping a lush, green lawn is a point of pride for many homeowners. But even the most carefully maintained turf can be overtaken by one persistent problem—weeds. They’re not just unsightly; they compete with grass for nutrients, water, and sunlight. Understanding why they grow, when they appear, and how to control them effectively can help you reclaim your lawn and maintain its health long term.

Why Do Weeds Grow in Lawns?

Weeds are nature’s opportunists. They thrive in disturbed or weakened soil and quickly exploit bare spots in turfgrass. Common causes include:

• Compacted soil

• Overwatering or poor drainage

• Mowing too short (scalping)

• Nutrient imbalances

• Thin grass coverage

Once weeds gain a foothold, they can spread rapidly, especially if not controlled early.

When Do Lawn Weeds Typically Appear?

Different types of weeds emerge in different seasons:

• Cool-season weeds (like chickweed and henbit) germinate in fall and winter.

• Warm-season weeds (like crabgrass and spurge) sprout in spring and flourish in summer.

The prime growing seasons for most common lawn weeds are early spring to late summer, depending on your region and climate.

The 5 Most Common Lawn Weeds (And How to Identify Them)

1. Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)

• Type: Broadleaf perennial

• Appearance: Bright yellow flowers that turn into puffball seed heads.

• Growth Season: Early spring to late fall

  

  Yellow Dandelions with jagged green leaves in a garden bed, set against dark soil.

2. Crabgrass (Digitaria spp.)

• Type: Warm-season annual grass

• Appearance: Spreads low and flat; seed heads look like crab legs.

• Growth Season: Late spring through summer

  

  Close-up image of Crabgrass (Digitaria spp.) weed in a residential lawn

3. Clover (Trifolium repens)

• Type: Broadleaf perennial

• Appearance: Small white/pink flowers, three-lobed leaves

• Growth Season: Spring through fall

  

  Close-up image of Clover (Trifolium repens) weed in a residential lawn

4. Nutsedge (Cyperus spp.)

• Type: Perennial sedge

• Appearance: Grass-like, grows taller and faster than lawn grass, triangular stems

• Growth Season: Late spring through summer

  
  

  

  Close-up image of Nutsedge (Cyperus spp.) weed in a residential lawn

5. Creeping Charlie (Glechoma hederacea)

• Type: Broadleaf perennial

• Appearance: Ground-hugging with scalloped leaves and purple flowers

• Growth Season: Spring through early summer

  
  

  

  Close-up image of Creeping Charlie (Glechoma hederacea) weed in a residential lawn

  
  

Is Hand-Pulling Effective?

Yes and no.

• Effective for: Shallow-rooted weeds like crabgrass and clover (if caught early).

• Not ideal for: Deep-rooted perennials like dandelion or creeping charlie unless you remove the entire root system.

Tip: Always pull weeds after a rain or watering session when soil is soft.

How to Eradicate Weeds Long-Term

1. Promote Healthy Lawn Growth

   • Mow high (3–4 inches) to shade weed seeds.

   • Aerate compacted soil.

   • Overseed to fill bare spots.

   • Fertilize properly.

2. Apply Pre-Emergent Herbicides

   • Prevents seeds from germinating.

   • Best time: Early spring (before weeds like crabgrass emerge).

3. Use Post-Emergent Herbicides

   • Kills existing weeds.

   • Choose selective herbicides to avoid damaging grass.

4. Mulch Edges and Borders

   • Prevents weed seed germination in garden beds or along lawn borders.

5. Maintain Consistent Lawn Care Routine

   • Water deeply and infrequently.

   • Stick to a seasonal fertilizer schedule.

     
     

Top Weed Control Products in the Market (2025)

Here are some of the most effective and popular products for both prevention and treatment:

🔹 Pre-Emergent

• Scotts Halts Crabgrass & Grassy Weed Preventer

  • Easy to apply with spreader, prevents crabgrass and other annual weeds.

• The Andersons Barricade Professional-Grade

  • Long-lasting protection, professional formula.

    
    

🔹 Post-Emergent (Selective Herbicides)

• Ortho Weed B Gon Lawn Weed Killer

  • Effective on dandelions, clover, and over 200 broadleaf weeds.

• Tenacity Herbicide (Mesotrione)

  • Kills existing weeds and prevents new ones—safe on most cool-season grasses.

    
    

🔹 Organic Options

• Corn Gluten Meal

  • Acts as a natural pre-emergent (less effective than chemical options, but safer for kids/pets).

• Green Gobbler Vinegar Weed & Grass Killer

  • Natural alternative for spot-treating tough patches.

    
    

Final Thoughts

Weed control is all about consistency and timing. You don’t need to wage war on your lawn, but you do need a proactive plan. By combining good lawn care practices with targeted treatments, you can outcompete weeds naturally—and enjoy the lush, green yard you’ve worked hard to grow.