A little lawn sense
Which weeds are taking over my lawn?
Identify the weed before choosing a treatment. A broadleaf weed, a grass and a sedge can need very different approaches.
Start with region and shape
Northern and transition lawns often see dandelion, clover and crabgrass. Southern lawns can also have winter annuals such as chickweed, plus crabgrass and sedges. Region narrows the list; it does not identify a plant.
Look at the whole plant
Photograph leaves, stems, flowers and growth habit. Use an Extension weed guide or ask your county office. Pull a few unfamiliar plants before they set seed if practical.
Treat the cause as well
Thin turf leaves room for weeds. Correct mowing, watering and soil problems. If using herbicide, match the weed, grass and timing on the label; a product safe on one grass may injure another.
Questions from the yard
Does weed-and-feed kill every weed?
No. Product labels list the weeds and grasses covered.
Can I spray a drought-stressed lawn?
Delay treatment and follow label restrictions; stressed turf is easier to injure.
Sources & further reading
- University of Georgia Extension: turfgrass-weed-control
- University of Minnesota Extension: idlist.html
Reviewed October 2026. General US home-lawn guidance; local recommendations may differ.