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The Top 5 Worst Weeds for Your Lawn

By skinnerlawnserIn TipsPosted

You hear all the time that weeds are bad for your lawn but….why? 

Some people do not mind the look of floral weeds such as dandelions, and that’s totally fine, everyone has their own preferences! Generally speaking, however, weeds provide little-no value to your lawn and in a competition for air, water, and nutrients, weeds can give your lawn a run for its money. 

Due to the fast-spread nature of how weeds develop, they can leave your lawn prone to weakness and issues such as disease, infestation, and drought. Weeds can be very difficult to stop once the spread begins, especially perennial weeds which spread via seed and creeping roots and have the ability to reproduce if even a very small root is left behind. 

Today we’re highlighting some of the worst weeds and the conditions that they grow in so that YOU can be on the lookout for these pests hiding in your lawn and take action before it gets worse. 

1. Thistle Variations


Conditions Grown In: Almost any! Thistles are super variable, but they most often grow in disturbed ground such as ditch banks, overgrazed pastures, tilled fields or abandoned sites

Best Way to Treat: Glyphosate is often the most effective weed spray for thistle; you will want to apply this to cut stems an inch or two above the soil line

Best Time to Treat: Fall 

It’s purple flowers are deceiving of how quickly this spreads! This plant may be a part of the daisy family, but is considered a ‘Noxious Weed’ in many states, which means it is harmful to the point of warranting government-regulated control. The most common thistle species is the Canadian or creeping thistle (Cirsium arvense) and can be found throughout the United States. 

2. Wild Violet


Conditions Grown In: Prefers cool, moist shady areas (will tolerate full sun)

Best Way to Treat: Multiple applications of broadleaf weed control products

Best Time to Treat: In the fall after the first frost

A dainty, purple flower with a surprisingly extensive root system, making it very difficult to get rid of. 

3. Crabgrass


Conditions Grown In: Residential lawns, turf, hot dry conditions, and poor soil

Best Way to Treat: Pre-emergent products prior to germination, that you can apply to help prevent it from germinating

Best Time to Treat: Early Spring prior to crabgrass growth 

This residential weed is rather well known and dread worthy due to its fast spreading nature. Crabgrass grows very flat to the ground and spreads out easily, preventing the desired grasses from growing properly. 

4. Ground Ivy/Creeping Charlie/Creeping Jenny


Conditions Grown In: Moist, shady areas (can grow in the full sun)

Best Way to Treat: Multiple applications of weed killer

Best Time to Treat: Late Fall

Snakes through a lawn easily hence its ‘creeping’ nickname. 

5. Virginia Buttonweed 


Conditions Grown In: Prefers moist, wet conditions

Best Way to Treat: Herbicide application

Best Time to Treat: The 2-leaf to flower stage of growth

The Virginia Buttonweed has small white flowers and is most prominent in the South and Southeast regions, but can survive as far north as southern Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois.

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If you are currently facing any issues with weeds on your property, have no fear, that’s what Skinner Lawns is here for! We pay proper attention to your lawn, treating it as if it’s our own. When we notice something is wrong, we act accordingly. 

For more information about our services or for help getting your Jacksonville lawn treated, give us a call today: 904-720-2515!