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20 Common Types of Lawn Weeds and How to Get Rid of Them

Find out how to identify and tackle these garden invaders.

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types of lawn weeds
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Dealing with weeds in your lawn can feel like a never-ending battle, but with a little know-how, it’s totally manageable! Weeds come in all shapes and sizes, and while some might look harmless with their pretty flowers or lush leaves, they can quickly take over your garden if you’re not careful. From the classic dandelion to the sneaky creeping Charlie, each weed has its own tricks for spreading and staying put. Don’t let them get the best of you!

Whether you’re dealing with the low-growing crabgrass or the stubborn plantain, knowing what you’re up against is the first step in reclaiming your lawn. Some weeds, like chickweed, are relatively easy to handle with a bit of hand-pulling or herbicide, while others, like nutsedge, might require a bit more persistence. In this guide, you'll learn some of the most common weeds you might encounter, giving you the lowdown on how to spot them and, more importantly, how to tackle them. So grab your gardening gloves and dive in—your lawn will thank you!

1

Dandelion

types of lawn weeds dandelion
Martin Ruegner

Dandelions are those common weeds with bright yellow flowers that eventually turn into fluffy seed balls. To deal with them, you can either dig them out by the root or use a weed killer. They’re persistent, so keeping up with regular maintenance is key.

2

Crabgrass

types of lawn weeds crabgrass
PICSUNV

Crabgrass is that pesky, low-growing weed that spreads rapidly across your lawn. The best way to manage it is by pulling it out by the roots or by using a pre-emergent herbicide to prevent it from taking root. It’s tough but not unbeatable!

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3

Clover

types of lawn weeds clover
Catherine McQueen

Clover might have those charming little round leaves, but it can quickly take over your lawn if not kept in check. You can either pull it out by hand or use a broadleaf herbicide to control it. Sometimes, it’s easier to just live with a bit of clover if it’s not too invasive.

4

Chickweed

types of lawn weeds chickweed
SolStock

Chickweed may look like a delicate ground cover, but it can spread like wildfire if you’re not careful. To get rid of it, you can pull it out or apply a selective herbicide. It’s persistent, so regular checks are necessary.

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5

Plantain

types of lawn weeds plantain
AlexanderZam

Plantain has broad, flat leaves that form rosettes and can be quite stubborn. You can dig it out by the root or use a weed killer to manage it. Although it’s not the worst weed, it can crowd out your grass if left untreated.

6

Bindweed

types of lawn weeds bindweed
Irina Pislari

Bindweed is a sneaky weed that twines around other plants, making it a real nuisance. Pull it out and ensure you get as much of the root as possible. It’s relentless, so you might need to be persistent in dealing with it.

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7

Henbit

types of lawn weeds henbit
JJ Gouin

Henbit features distinctive purple flowers and can spread quickly across your lawn. You can pull it out by hand or use a herbicide designed for broadleaf weeds. It’s pretty easy to manage if you catch it early.

8

Purslane

types of lawn weeds common purslane
hongquang09

Purslane is a succulent-looking weed that tends to grow in mats, making it quite invasive. The best way to control it is by pulling it out by the root or using a non-selective herbicide. It can be a bit of a challenge due to its resilience.

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9

Speedwell

types of lawn weeds speedwell
Federica Grassi

Speedwell has tiny blue flowers and creeps along the ground, which can make it a persistent problem. Hand-pulling or using a selective herbicide can help keep it under control. It’s more of a nuisance than a serious threat.

10

Ground Ivy

types of lawn weeds ground ivy
NajaShots

Ground ivy is known for its round leaves and the way it spreads by runners. To manage it, you can use a broadleaf herbicide or manually pull it up. It can be tricky to completely eradicate, but persistence usually pays off.

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11

Moss

types of lawn weeds moss
schulzie

Moss thrives in shady, damp areas and can take over a lawn if conditions are right. Instead of just removing it, focus on improving your lawn’s conditions, like increasing sunlight and improving drainage. You might need to adjust your lawn care routine to prevent it from coming back.

12

Oxalis

types of lawn weeds oxalis
Baac3nes

Oxalis, also known as sour clover, has heart-shaped leaves and a tangy smell. To get rid of it, dig it up completely, including the tiny bulbs, or use a targeted herbicide. It’s tough but manageable with some effort.

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13

Wild Violet

types of lawn weeds wild violet
AL Hedderly

Wild violets are pretty with their purple flowers but can be quite invasive. You can try pulling them out or using a selective herbicide. They’re persistent, so you might need a few attempts to get them under control.

14

Nutsedge

types of lawn weeds nutsedge
Mangkelin

Nutsedge looks similar to grass but grows faster and has a distinctive triangular stem. To manage it, dig it out or use a specific herbicide designed for nutsedge. It’s tough to control, but regular attention helps.

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15

Yellow Woodsorrel

types of lawn weeds yellow woodsorrel
Federica Grassi

Yellow woodsorrel features clover-like leaves and small yellow flowers. To control it, pull it out or use a herbicide designed for broadleaf weeds. It’s not too aggressive but can be persistent if not addressed.

16

Pokeweed

types of lawn weeds pokeweed
Grace Cary

Pokeweed has large, bold leaves and can grow quite tall, making it a significant nuisance. It’s best to remove it by hand and ensure you get the roots. Be cautious when handling it, as it can be toxic.

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17

Mallow

types of lawn weeds mallow
Crispin la valiente

Mallow has round, soft leaves and pretty pink or white flowers that can make it seem harmless. Unfortunately, it can spread pretty quickly if left unchecked. Pull it out by the roots or use a selective herbicide to keep it under control.

18

Dock

types of lawn weeds dock
Malcolm P Chapman

Dock has large, broad leaves and can grow quite tall, making it a noticeable presence in your lawn. To control it, you can dig it up by the roots or use a targeted herbicide. It’s tough to manage but not impossible with regular attention.

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19

Hairy Bittercress

types of lawn weeds hairy bitter cress
ROBERT KNAPP

Hairy bittercress has small white flowers and can spread quickly through its seeds. To control it, pull it out or use a broadleaf herbicide. It’s small but can become a bit of a hassle if allowed to grow unchecked.

20

Lamb's Quarters

types of lawn weeds lambs quarters
anooh

Lamb’s Quarters is a weed with broad, green leaves and a powdery white coating on the undersides. It can spread quickly and is best managed by pulling it out or using a broadleaf herbicide. It’s pretty adaptable, so keeping an eye out for it can help prevent it from taking over.

Headshot of Tierney McAfee

Tierney McAfee is a freelance writer and Country Living and The Pioneer Woman contributor who covers entertainment, holiday & entertaining, food & drinks, design ideas, DIY, and more.

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