Weeds are the bane of every lawn owners existence. It’s frustrating to put time, energy, and money into a yard, only to glance out the window and see ugly weeds working their way into your lawn. Spring is the prime time to find these grass-wannabees, and it won’t be long before they start spreading throughout the summer months. We’re here to help you get a leg up on the most common lawn weeds in Ohio.

What You Need to Know About Weeds

There are two categories of weeds, grass-like and broadleaf. And knowing which category each one falls under steers you in the right direction of a solution. It also helps to know if it’s a perennial or annual. A perennial is a plant that lives two or more growing seasons, while an annual has a one-year life cycle.

Weed seeds are spread in many ways. Some are carried on the wind or via water, others are tracked onto your lawn by animals or foot traffic. However these bothersome plants arrive at your door, being able to identify these five common lawn weeds in Ohio is the first step in getting the upper hand.

How to Identify Common Lawn Weeds in Ohio

Crabgrass

Crabgrass is a warm-season annual that grows best in the summer heat. A member of the grass family, this annual has flat, wide leaf blades that stay low to the ground. In mid-summer, spiked flower heads appear in the center.

Dandelion

Perhaps one of the most well-known, and hated, of common lawn weeds, the dandelion is a broadleaf perennial with deep roots and a hollow stalk. It begins its reign as a showy yellow flower, but does the most damage when it turns into a fuzzy seed-spreading machine. When children pick these puffy posies and blow on them, they are aiding and abetting the spread of hundreds of weed seeds. A good breeze does the trick as well.

Speedwell

Also known as veronica, speedwell is an invasive perennial with small four-petal flowers in white, blue, or purple shades. Heart-shaped seed pods grow on the stems along with tiny green leaves. The problematic plant creeps along the ground and thrives in moist, shaded areas. Although it has pretty little flowers, its creeping stems quickly grow into an unattractive, fast-spreading mat. Fibrous root systems make it difficult to completely eliminate.

Clover

There are many types of this perennial weed, but white clover is the most common. Deep green in color, the plant part has groups of three oval-shaped leaves that often have a dark stripe. Spiked white flowers top off the low-growing plant and provide nectar for bees.

Ground Ivy

Also known as creeping charlie, ground ivy is one of the first plants to flower in the spring. It boasts tiny trios of bluish-purple flowers, heart-shaped leaves with scalloped edges, and squared stems. This member of the mint family, gives off a mild, minty scent when leaves are crushed or mowed. It’s notorious for spreading quickly along the ground and taking root in many places.

Controlling Common Lawn Weeds

Weeds love to invade thinning areas of grass and lawns that have been mowed too short. So the first step in putting an end to these problem plants is to keep a well-maintained yard. That means proper watering, fertilizing, and mowing practices, as well as anything else that keeps the turf thick and healthy. Keep grass at the tallest recommended mowing height and let its lush density crowd out any potential for unwanted and aggressive plants.

You don’t have to fight Mother Nature alone. Calling in a professional is your best bet for weed populations growing out of control. A well-trained expert knows the best approach, the right timing, and has access to powerful products to treat invasive weeds.

Contact Free Spray Lawn Care today at 419-529-5296 and let us help you build a strong, healthy lawn that can defend itself from the common lawn weeds in Ohio.