There are a large variety of weeds that pop up on our lawns and give us problems, and it’s hard to be familiar with all of them. Below is a list of the most common weeds so that everyone can have an idea of what they’re dealing with.

Buttercup

Most people are familiar with this weed and notice it by the little yellow flowers that pop up throughout lawns. Usually a buttercup here or there isn’t too bothersome, but if they become more common, they can be unwanted. The most common kind is creeping buttercup, which can spread quickly. Often a weed control spray is necessary to remove the problem.

Plantains

Large, broad-leaf plants. Can often be identified by its clusters of leathery and ribbed leaves with tiny erect flowers or spikes. If plantains on your lawn are uncommon, hand weeding is usually an effective method to get rid of them. If they become more common, a control method may need to be used.

Clover

Clover is a major problem in lawns and results in patchy colouration. They are encouraged by a lack of water and lack of nitrogen. Proper fertilizing and watering practices can help prevent spreading. This is important because the small leaves make control sprays less effective.

Dandelions

Everyone is familiar with these pests. They are often unsightly and spread from one lawn to the next. You can spot them by their large leaves and recognizable yellow head. Once they have appeared in any abundance, weed control is often needed. However, if you can stay on top of it, hand picking can often be all you need.

Chickweed

Usually more of a problem in flower or vegetable gardens than in lawns. That said, it can be very frustrating as it spreads like crazy. Regular mowing can often control common chickweed. Its close relative, mouse-eared chickweed, however, is hard to control and weed control spray is needed.

Thistles

Thistles are a little less common in lawns than they are in gardens or farmlands but still can be bothersome. They are most problematic in new lawns but usually give way with regular mowing. If your lawn is well established and few pop up, hand picking them will work just fine. If they become more abundant, a weed control spray will help to get rid of them.

Creeping Charlie

Creeping Charlie has small, green, fan-shaped leaves that spread throughout a lawn quite readily. Weed control spray is the recommended treatment, as they are very difficult to deal with otherwise. They enjoy moist, shady areas. If possible, improving the drainage of your lawn and limiting the shady areas can help if you are having problems with Creeping Charlie.

Hawkweed

Hawkweed is a perennial plant that has several yellow or orange-y flower heads in a single cluster. It is closely related to the dandelion and could be mistaken for a variety of such. The same control methods used for dandelions can be used here. If infrequent, simply hand picking should be enough to eliminate them. If they become a more serious problem, then weed control sprays should be used.

Burdock

Burdock is a biennial, meaning in its first year it doesn’t bloom but instead gathers nutrients for the following year. It blooms in the late summer and usually can be controlled by mowing before it is mature enough to release seeds. Another control method involves spraying a layer of weed control in the fall to eliminate those plants harvesting nutrients for the coming season.

Black Medic

Its small, round, yellow flowers and oval-shaped leaves can be used to identify Black medic. It can be easy to control if you find you are having problems with it. It likes to grow in compact soil and is often found by roadsides or sidewalks. Aerating your soil annually, or in some cases twice a year, will help to eliminate any black medic in your lawn.

Wild Violet

Is a perennial plant with heart-shaped leaves that spread by rhizome or long stolons. It has purple flowers, but other species may have varying growth habits and white, pink or yellow flowers. Wild Violet is found mostly in shady areas with wet soils.

If you think you have ANY of these weeds, get a free lawn care quote today!