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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.