Lawn Weeds Identification Guide
Identify and control common weeds in Texas lawns
With the vast number of climates in Texas, it's no shocker that the variety of weeds in Texas is pretty broad. This guide will help you identify common weeds and understand how to control them.
There are two major types of weeds:
- 1. Broadleaf weeds - have wider, more noticeable foliage that sticks out among turf grass
- 2. Grassy weeds - blend in with lawn grass until they become visible, often spreading beyond manageability
Common Broadleaf Weeds
Broadleaf weeds have wider foliage that's easier to spot in your lawn
Dandelions
Yellow flowers that turn to grey seed puffs. Blooms perennially and biennially.
Control: Post-emergent herbicide for broadleaf weeds or dig up by hand.
Clover
Perennial that loves moist soil. Small white flowers with distinctive three-leaf pattern.
Control: Reduce watering, selective spot-treatments.
Henbit
Annual weed with notched leaves and small lavender flowers. Blooms in late spring.
Control: Treat early with selective herbicide before it blooms.
Chickweed
Annual with tiny white flowers. Grows up to 8 inches with a matting pattern that chokes grass.
Control: Selective herbicide as soon as noticed.
Thistle
Spiked purple blossoms on tall plants. Can reach several feet tall from a foot-wide patch.
Control: Post-emergent herbicide before blooming, dig up seedlings.
Creeping Charlie
Ground ivy that spreads via creeping stolons. Creates mats that deprive soil of nutrients.
Control: Dense grass prevents it. Remove all roots to prevent regrowth.
Spurge
Hardy plant that thrives in various environments. Grows through spring and summer.
Control: Both pre- and post-emergent herbicide recommended.
Dollarweed
Dark, large leaves. Sometimes mistaken for dichondra but will harm lawn if unchecked.
Control: Atrazine during early growth, mulch around trees/shrubs.
Field Bindweed
Vining plant up to 6 feet with white/pink funnel flowers. Deep root system.
Control: Post-emergent when actively growing. Very difficult to eradicate.
Common Grassy Weeds
Grassy weeds blend in at first but quickly become visible as they grow differently than turf grass
Crabgrass
One of the most formidable foes. Clumping pattern, spreads via seeds and stolons.
Control: Pre-emergent in early spring is essential.
Nutsedge
V-shaped sprouts that turn yellowish and grow faster than turf grass.
Control: Dense turf prevents it. Pre-emergent herbicide for at-risk lawns.
Dallisgrass
Grows in expanding clumps. Actually chokes out turf grass with its roots.
Control: Act quickly. Selective herbicide when spotted.
Goosegrass
Resembles crabgrass, grows in clumps. Summer annual that prefers poorly drained soil.
Control: Improve drainage, aerate soil. Pre-emergents help prevent.
Poa Annua (Bluegrass)
Avid seeder. Shows up late winter/early spring. Loves moist soil.
Control: Pre-emergent for all grass types. Post-emergent for Bermuda/Zoysia.
Quackgrass
Tufted growth pattern with deep roots. Hard to identify and dig up.
Control: Pre-emergent in early spring. Dense turf is best prevention.
Sandburs (Grassburrs)
Annual grass with sharp, spiny burrs that attach to clothing and pet fur.
Control: Pre-emergent herbicide. Maintain thick, healthy turf.
Doveweed
Impersonates St. Augustine grass. Rubbery texture differs from established grass.
Control: Pre-emergent herbicide. Tackle before flowering.
Johnsongrass
Tall perennial up to 12 feet. Deep fibrous roots, spreads by seed and rhizomes.
Control: Prevention is key. Very difficult once established.
Best Weed Prevention Strategies
- 1 Maintain dense, healthy turf - A thick lawn is the best defense against weeds. Proper fertilization and watering keeps grass competitive.
- 2 Apply pre-emergent herbicides - Apply in early spring before weeds germinate. This prevents most annual weeds from establishing.
- 3 Treat weeds early - Post-emergent herbicides work best on young weeds. Don't wait until they flower and spread seeds.
- 4 Mow at proper height - Taller grass shades soil, preventing weed seed germination and reducing competition.
- 5 Water deeply but infrequently - Deep watering promotes deeper grass roots while discouraging shallow-rooted weeds.
Need Professional Weed Control?
Let our experts eliminate weeds and keep your lawn healthy year-round.
