10 Most Common Lawn Weeds & How to Stop Them from Taking Over

• Identify weeds early: Learn to spot common lawn invaders like crabgrass, dandelions, clover, and creeping Charlie to prevent them from spreading. 
• Healthy lawn prevents weeds: Dense, well-maintained grass naturally competes with weeds for nutrients, water, and sunlight. 
• Proper mowing, watering, and fertilization: Maintain recommended grass heights, water deeply but infrequently, and fertilize at the right time to strengthen grass and limit weed growth. 
• Targeted removal strategies: Use manual pulling, pre-emergent herbicides, and selective broadleaf herbicides depending on the type of weed and its growth habit. 
• Address soil and environmental conditions: Aerate compacted soil, improve drainage, and manage shaded or high-traffic areas to reduce weed-friendly conditions. 
• Combination of organic and chemical methods: A balanced approach using both natural and chemical control often yields the best long-term results. 
• Know when to call a professional: Large infestations, deep-rooted weeds, or persistent problems may require expert intervention for lasting control.

A lush, green lawn is every homeowner’s pride, but it doesn’t take long for weeds to sneak in and spoil the look. Understanding which weeds are common and how to manage them is key to maintaining a healthy, vibrant lawn. In this guide, we’ll cover the 10 most common lawn weeds and give practical tips on preventing and removing them.

What Makes a Weed “Common”?

Before diving into specific weeds, it’s helpful to understand what makes a weed “common.” A common lawn weed is typically one that:

• Grows quickly 
• Spreads easily 
• Thrives in the typical lawn conditions found in your area

These weeds often compete with grass for nutrients, water, and sunlight, making your lawn weaker over time. Common weeds vary by region, but most thrive in disturbed, thin, or poorly maintained lawns.

Why Do Weeds Grow in Lawns?

Several factors contribute to weed growth:

• Poor lawn care practices: Overwatering, under-fertilizing, or mowing too short can stress grass, creating openings for weeds. 
• Soil imbalance: Weeds thrive in compacted soil or soil lacking essential nutrients. 
• Environmental factors: High traffic areas, shaded spots, and drought conditions encourage weed growth.

Understanding the causes is the first step in keeping weeds at bay.

1. Crabgrass – The Summer Invader

Crabgrass is one of the most common lawn weeds, especially during the summer months. It grows quickly and spreads aggressively, forming clumps that disrupt the uniform look of your grass.

How to Spot Crabgrass: Crabgrass has coarse, light-green blades that grow in clumps, often in bare or thin spots. Its stems may branch out along the soil surface, and new plants can appear repeatedly during hot, sunny months.

Growth Habit: Crabgrass is an annual, germinating from seed in spring and dying off in fall frost. It thrives in compacted soil and areas with thin grass.

How to Stop Crabgrass:

• Mow Properly: Keep grass tall to shade the soil, which inhibits crabgrass germination. 
• Water Deeply: Water infrequently but deeply to strengthen grass roots. 
• Pre-emergent Herbicide: Apply in early spring before seeds sprout. 
• Manual Removal: Pull visible plants before seed production. 
• Overseed Bare Spots: Maintain dense grass to reduce open areas.

2. Dandelions – More Than Just a Yellow Flower

Dandelions are perennial broadleaf weeds, famous for their bright yellow flowers and fluffy seed heads. They thrive in thin grass and poor soil. Each plant can produce hundreds of seeds, dispersed by the wind.

How to Spot Dandelions: Dandelions have jagged, toothed leaves forming a rosette at the base, yellow flowers in late spring, and white, fluffy seed heads in summer.

Growth Habit: Perennial with a deep taproot, making removal tricky if not dug out completely. They can survive mowing and drought stress.

Prevention and Control Tips:

• Targeted Herbicide: Use a selective broadleaf herbicide to eliminate dandelions without harming grass. 
• Mowing: Prevent flowers from maturing to reduce seed spread. 
• Soil Health: Thick, healthy grass outcompetes dandelions. Aerate and fertilize for stronger lawns. 
• Manual Pulling: Dig out taproots for small infestations.

3. Clover – Friend or Foe?

Clover is a hardy plant that fixes nitrogen in the soil, which can benefit grass. Yet its rapid spread and texture make it a weed for many homeowners.

How to Spot Clover: Clover has clusters of three rounded leaflets and small white or pink flowers. Its stems form dense patches distinguishable from grass.

Growth Habit: Perennial; spreads via stolons (above-ground stems). Thrives in lawns with low nitrogen levels.

Managing Clover:

• Fertilization: Apply nitrogen-rich fertilizer to strengthen grass and reduce clover advantage. 
• Manual Removal: Hand-pull small patches or use selective herbicide for larger infestations. 
• Mowing: Discourages clover from flowering and spreading. 
• Overseeding: Dense grass prevents clover from taking root.

4. Chicory – The Tough Broadleaf Weed

Chicory grows upright with bright blue flowers and is known for its deep taproot. It often appears in compacted or nutrient-poor soil.

How to Spot Chicory: Look for tall, stiff stems, blue flowers, and large taproots. Leaves are rough, toothed, and grow alternately along stems.

Growth Habit: Perennial; tolerates drought due to deep taproot. Spreads slowly from seeds and underground root fragments.

Control Strategies:

• Soil Aeration: Loosen compacted soil to reduce establishment. 
• Targeted Herbicide: Broadleaf herbicides that reach roots. 
• Fertilize Regularly: Promote thick grass coverage. 
• Manual Removal: Dig out roots for small patches.

5. Plantain – Small Leaves, Big Problem

Plantain weeds are low-growing with broad, oval leaves and small flower spikes. They thrive in compacted or worn areas.

How to Spot Plantain: Broad, oval leaves with parallel veins grow in rosettes. Flower spikes rise above leaves in spring. Common in high-traffic or bare spots.

Growth Habit: Perennial; spreads via seeds and creeping roots. Tolerates poor soil and compaction.

How to Manage Plantain:

• Manual Pulling: Remove entire root system. 
• Herbicide Use: Broadleaf herbicide for larger infestations. 
• Soil Improvement: Aerate and overseed to strengthen grass. 
• Regular Lawn Care: Dense lawns prevent plantain from spreading.

6. Chickweed – Fast-Growing and Persistent

Chickweed forms dense mats that crowd out grass. Thrives in cool, moist, shady areas.

How to Spot Chickweed: Small, bright green leaves and tiny white star-shaped flowers. Spreads rapidly in dense mats.

Growth Habit: Annual or perennial, depending on climate. Seeds germinate in early spring; thrives in damp soil.

Prevention Tips:

• Watering: Avoid overwatering; improve drainage. 
• Manual Removal: Ensure all roots are removed. 
• Pre-emergent Herbicide: Stops seed germination. 
• Grass Health: Thick grass outcompetes chickweed.

7. Moss – When Moisture Favors Weeds

Moss is a common lawn nuisance, particularly in shady, acidic, or poorly drained areas.

How to Spot Moss: Soft, green, spongy patches in shaded, damp areas. Often grows where grass is thin or bare.

How to Reduce Moss:

• Soil Testing: Apply lime if soil is too acidic. 
• Improve Drainage: Fix compacted or poorly drained areas. 
• Reduce Shade: Trim trees/shrubs to allow sunlight. 
• Manual Removal: Rake and overseed bare spots.

8. Nutsedge – Looks Like Grass but Isn’t

Nutsedge looks like grass but spreads via underground tubers. Prefers wet, poorly drained soil.

How to Spot Nutsedge: Triangular stems, glossy bright green leaves in sets of three. Rapid growth in wet areas.

Control Methods:

• Selective Herbicide: Labeled for nutsedge. 
• Manual Removal: Remove all tubers carefully. 
• Soil Management: Reduce compaction, water appropriately. 
• Lawn Density: Overseed thin spots.

9. Bindweed – The Creeping Invader

Bindweed is a climbing weed that can choke grass and plants. Deep roots make it difficult to eradicate.

How to Spot Bindweed: Heart-shaped leaves, white or pink funnel-shaped flowers. Creeping vines wrap around plants.

Tackling Bindweed:

• Manual Removal: Pull vines and roots consistently. 
• Systemic Herbicide: Targets root system. 
• Healthy Lawn: Dense grass limits space. 
• Mulching: Suppresses growth in garden beds.

10. Creeping Charlie – The Spreading Problem

Creeping Charlie, or ground ivy, forms a dense mat of green leaves and spreads quickly.

How to Spot Creeping Charlie: Rounded, scalloped leaves; purple-blue flowers; stems root at nodes forming thick mats.

Prevention and Control:

• Broadleaf Herbicide: Early spring or fall. 
• Manual Removal: Dig out small patches. 
• Lawn Maintenance: Reduce shade, improve soil, overseed. 
• Regular Monitoring: Early detection prevents spread.

Tips for Preventing These Common Lawn Weeds Year-Round

Keeping your lawn weed-free is easier than constantly removing weeds. With a consistent care routine, you can prevent weeds from taking hold and maintain a lush, healthy lawn. Here’s how:

Mow Properly:

Maintaining the correct grass height is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent weeds. Taller grass shades the soil, which discourages weed seeds from germinating. For cool-season grasses like fescue or bluegrass, keep your lawn around 2.5–3.5 inches tall. For warm-season grasses like Bermuda or zoysia, aim for 1–2 inches. Avoid cutting more than one-third of the grass blade at a time to reduce stress and encourage dense growth.

Fertilize Wisely:

Healthy grass outcompetes weeds, so fertilization is crucial. Use a fertilizer suited to your grass type and local soil conditions. Apply fertilizer in early spring to promote growth after winter dormancy, and again in late summer or early fall to strengthen roots. Avoid over-fertilizing, as excess nitrogen can encourage rapid weed growth. Soil testing can help determine the right balance of nutrients for your lawn.

Water Smartly:

Deep, infrequent watering encourages grass roots to grow downward, making them stronger and more drought-tolerant. Shallow, frequent watering encourages shallow roots and weak grass, creating perfect conditions for weeds. Water early in the morning to reduce evaporation and minimize disease risk. A typical lawn requires about 1 inch of water per week, either from rain or irrigation.

Aerate Regularly:

Compacted soil reduces air, water, and nutrient flow to grass roots, weakening the lawn and giving weeds an opportunity to take over. Aeration involves creating small holes in the soil to relieve compaction, usually once or twice a year depending on soil type and lawn traffic. After aerating, overseed or fertilize to maximize grass growth in the newly loosened soil.

Overseed Bare Spots:

Open or thin areas are prime targets for weeds. Overseeding involves spreading grass seed over these spots to fill gaps, promoting a thick, uniform lawn that naturally prevents weeds from establishing. Choose a grass seed compatible with your existing lawn, and water consistently until new grass is established.

Organic vs. Chemical Weed Control: Which Is Better?

Choosing the right control method depends on your lawn type, personal preferences, and environmental considerations. Often, a combination of methods is the most effective approach.

Organic Methods:

• Hand-Pulling and Digging Out Weeds: Effective for small infestations or delicate areas. Remove the entire root to prevent regrowth. 
• Corn Gluten Meal as a Pre-Emergent: Works by inhibiting seed germination naturally. Best applied in early spring before weed seeds sprout. 
• Mulching and Soil Improvement: Adding compost or mulch strengthens the soil, promotes grass growth, and reduces weed seed exposure.

Chemical Methods:

• Broadleaf Herbicides: Target specific weeds like dandelions or clover without harming grass. Apply during active growth for best results. 
• Pre-Emergent Herbicides: Prevent weed seeds from germinating. Timing is crucial—apply before weeds begin sprouting in spring or fall. 
• Systemic Herbicides: Penetrate deep roots for stubborn perennial weeds such as bindweed or creeping Charlie. Repeated applications may be necessary for complete control.

Tip: Even when using chemical methods, combining them with proper mowing, watering, and fertilizing routines enhances effectiveness and reduces the need for repeated treatments.

When to Call a Professional

Some lawn weeds are persistent and may require professional intervention, especially if:

• The infestation covers a large area. 
• Deep-rooted or spreading weeds keep returning. 
• Your attempts at DIY removal aren’t working.

Professional landscapers can assess soil conditions, apply targeted treatments, and offer long-term maintenance plans.

Final Thoughts

Dealing with common lawn weeds doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By learning to identify the most frequent invaders and using the right prevention and control strategies, you can maintain a thick, healthy lawn all year round. Regular maintenance, proper fertilization, and timely weed control are key to keeping weeds from taking over your outdoor space.

With these tips, you can enjoy a vibrant, green lawn that’s the envy of your neighborhood.