Posted on October 25, 2024 by Lawn Doctor
Grassy weeds most commonly grow in lawns, especially if the lawn is poorly maintained or compacted. Many species thrive particularly well in shaded areas, so they may grow better than your lawn grass species under bushes, trees and shrubs. Some types also love moist conditions, and you may notice them in the areas around sprinkler heads.
Beyond your lawn, weeds that look like grass can grow in beds between annuals and perennials. Grassy weeds in flowerbeds can cause serious issues because they leach soil nutrients, impacting the growth of wanted plants.
Grassy weeds often resemble grass, so they go unnoticed until they spread. However, subtle differences can help you tell the difference between grass and weed imposters.
The most common sign of grassy weeds is discolored patches of lawn. Cultivated domestic grasses are typically a lush, deep green. Meanwhile, grassy weeds are often paler green and can even appear red or orange.
Weeds may also have a different growth pattern than your chosen grass. Domestic grass blades typically grow vertically, while weeds often grow sideways or in multiple directions. Therefore, patches of grassy weeds usually change the texture of your lawn.
Finally, grassy weeds may grow faster than domestic grass and often struggle to cope with droughts, leading to brown or dried-out patches on your lawn. They’re usually quicker to sprout seeds, which can cause the weeds to spread.
Some homeowners are happy to allow grassy weeds to grow in their lawns, and there’s nothing wrong with that approach if the weeds aren’t causing issues. However, these weeds often use the nutrients your chosen grass needs, leading to an unhealthy-looking lawn. Uneven colors and textures can also impact your lawn’s appearance, so it’s usually best to kill grassy weeds as soon as you notice them.
You can get rid of grassy weeds by:
Different grassy weed species have different growth habits and vulnerabilities, so it’s worth determining which type you have before treating the problem. Factors such as the root depth and whether the weed can withstand short mowing can influence the best treatment method.
Plant identification apps are straightforward to use and often provide weed control tips. Alternatively, hire a lawn care professional to identify the weeds and recommend the most suitable control technique.
You can remove grassy weeds by hand using a spade or hand trowel. However, some species grow deep roots and can spread sideways, so digging up the entire root network is essential.
Tackle shallow-rooted grassy weeds by scarifying the soil. Scarifying tools contain rotating blades that cut through soil’s surface and weed roots. After scarifying, the grassy weeds should be easier to remove manually.
Most grassy weeds die when cut short, so giving your lawn a low trim may kill unwanted grasses. Unfortunately, short mowing isn’t great for domestic grasses, either. However, your lawn can likely recover if you don’t mow it short too often.
Leaving the grass cuttings on the lawn can cause grassy weeds to regrow if they contain seeds. Therefore, you should gather the clippings and dispose of them carefully to stop grassy weeds from spreading.
Grassy weeds are tough to prevent because the seeds can enter your garden via bird droppings, the wind and even the soles of your shoes. However, you can reduce the risk of the weeds spreading by maintaining a healthy lawn.
Healthy domestic grass is more likely to outcompete grassy weeds and keep them under control. Mow your lawn regularly to kill most grassy weeds, and apply fertilizer to encourage strong growth. Overseeding your lawn in springtime also increases the lawn density, making it less welcoming to weeds.
Lawn Doctor’s weed control services can help you achieve a lush, healthy lawn and stop grassy weeds in their tracks. Contact us today to discuss your weed problems with our team.
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