Lawn Weed Control Tips for a Healthy Summer Yard

Lawn Care Tips Ariel

You know that summer has finally arrived in Georgia when the temperature hits the mid-80s and it’s nothing but long, warm, and sunny days. It’s the season for spending time outdoors and doing some yard work.

Unfortunately, the change in season also brings along the risk of weeds growing on your lawn. Combine that with the heavy foot traffic, the drought, and the heat stress, and your turf could find all that too much to handle.

In this guide, we take the guesswork out of the equation. You’ll learn about the different types of weeds to watch out for that grow frequently in Georgia. We’ll also walk you through practical weed control strategies that can stop weeds from spreading.

Identifying the Weeds on Your Lawn

The first step in lawn weed control for any homeowner is to learn which ones you’re up against. Summers in Georgia are perfect for fast-growing types of weeds. They can be difficult to distinguish from turf grass, but when you know what to look for, you can spot weeds and take action.

The most common weed types are grassy or broadleaf weeds. Grassy weeds are more common in many Southern lawns. The tricky part is spotting them, as they look very much like ordinary grass. The big difference is that they tend to grow faster and are more aggressive.

Broadleaf weeds, on the other hand, are easier to identify because they look different from your standard turf. They often appear in disturbed or thinning areas of your lawn, distinguishable by their wide leaves with central and branching veins. They usually grow upright and produce small flowers in purple, yellow, or white colors.

Examples of Grassy Weeds

Here are some of the common grassy weeds you may encounter:

Crabgrass

The name of this weed comes from the way the seed heads sprout, which look like spread out fingers. Crabgrass often forms into dense patches that spread horizontally, making them difficult to get rid of once they’ve established themselves.

Goosegrass

This summer annual weed usually sprouts along sidewalks, driveways, and other compacted soil. It’s a persistent weed that can withstand heavy foot traffic. It forms finger-like seed heads that resemble a bird’s foot, with two to five heads per stalk, ergo its name. Note that some homeowners may refer to this as crowsfoot grass.

Johnsongrass

This is a highly invasive and fast-growing weed to watch out for. It can grow up to six feet and develop deep roots, making it difficult to control. It often starts growing near fence lines and other neglected parts of your yard.

Broadleaf Weed Examples

Here are common broadleaf weeds you may find in hot Georgia summers:

Dandelions

These weeds are known for their distinct bright yellow flowers with fluffy seed heads. They also have a long tap root, which makes it quite difficult to pull them out of the ground.

Spotted Spurge

These fast-growing weeds appear with reddish stems. They have dark green leaves with a central spot.

White Clover

This is a perennial broadleaf weed that you can tell by its three leaf clusters. They often appear in nutrient-poor soil, choking out what little turf remains.

Effective Lawn Weed Control Strategies for Summer

Identifying the types of weeds on your turf is half the battle. You don’t always have to apply harsh chemicals to get rid of weeds, especially if you have pets or children who may want to enjoy your yard this summer.

Here are some eco‑friendly lawn weed control solutions you can try:

Spot Removal or Hand Pulling

Sometimes, the best way to remove weeds is to use your hands and pull them out directly, especially if you’re getting rid of broadleaf weeds. If you don’t have the grip strength, use a hand weeder, allowing you to dig up weeds to the roots.

Mulching

Adding mulch on infested areas of your lawn blocks their access to sunlight. We recommend using organic mulches like shredded leaves or wood chips. Mulch also improves soil health since it decomposes and becomes organic fertilizer.

Pre-Emergent Control

Use solutions like corn gluten meal in late spring or early summer. This option is best for crabgrass and other grass weeds. Note that these won’t kill any existing weeds, so you must apply them before they can take hold.

Organic Spot Sprays

These natural, non-selective sprays can be used as a last resort. Pay attention to the active ingredients, such as soap-based herbicides, acetic acid, or iron-based solutions, and choose the ones that won’t harm your pets and small children. Always test these sprays in a small area of your lawn to prevent unintentional turf damage.

When To Call for Expert Help

If you’ve tried the DIY solutions mentioned here and the pesky weeds still won’t go away, it may be time to bring in certified weed control specialists, like those from Magnolia Lawns. We are premier lawn care experts who have proudly served Atlanta, Georgia, residents in Fulton, Gwinnett, Hall, Jackson Counties, and other nearby areas.

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