Different Types of Weeds in Lawns

Maintaining a pristine lawn in New Zealand requires not only choosing the right grass but also understanding how to manage the different types of weeds in lawn that can invade your outdoor space. Weeds are more than just an eyesore; they compete with your grass for water, nutrients, and sunlight, ultimately compromising the health and appearance of your lawn.

This guide will help you identify, understand, and control the most common types of lawn weeds to keep your yard in tip-top shape.

What Are Weeds, and Why Do They Matter?

Weeds are simply plants growing where they’re not wanted. In lawns, they disrupt the uniformity of grass, crowd out healthy plants, and sometimes even damage soil health. Understanding the different types of weeds in lawns is the first step in creating an effective weed management strategy and incorporating it into your garden maintenance.

Weeds are generally categorized into three types:

Broadleaf Weeds – These weeds have wide, flat leaves and are easy to distinguish from grass. Examples include dandelions and clovers.
Grass Weeds – Grass weeds look similar to lawn grass but grow faster and can quickly overtake your yard. Crabgrass is a common example.
Sedge Weeds – These weeds have triangular stems and grow in clumps. They thrive in moist conditions.

Different Types of Lawn Weeds in New Zealand

1. Dandelions (Taraxacum officinale)

Dandelions are one of the most common types of lawn weeds. With their bright yellow flowers, they may look harmless, but their deep taproots make them challenging to remove.

Characteristics: Broadleaf weed with a long taproot and fluffy seed heads.

Control: Hand-pull young plants or use selective herbicides for larger infestations.

2. Clover (Trifolium spp.)

Clover is a low-growing weed that’s often mistaken for ground cover. While some people appreciate its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, it can overrun lawns if left unchecked.

Characteristics: Broadleaf weed with three rounded leaflets.

Control: Fertilize your lawn to promote grass growth and outcompete clover, or apply broadleaf herbicides.

3. Crabgrass (Digitaria spp.)

Crabgrass is one of the most invasive types of grass weeds in lawns. It thrives in sunny, thinly seeded areas and spreads rapidly during warm seasons.

Characteristics: Grass weed with flat, wide leaves and spreading growth habit.

Control: Apply pre-emergent herbicides in early spring and keep your lawn thick to crowd out crabgrass.

4. Oxalis (Oxalis spp.)

Oxalis is a common type of lawn weed with small yellow flowers. It spreads through creeping stems and thrives in undernourished lawns.

Characteristics: Broadleaf weed with heart-shaped leaves.

Control: Improve lawn health with regular fertilization and use targeted herbicides.

5. Sedge (Cyperus spp.)

Often mistaken for grass, sedges are actually a distinct type of invasive lawn weed. They grow in clumps and prefer wet soil conditions.

Characteristics: Triangular stems and shiny, green leaves.

Control: Aerate your lawn to improve drainage and apply specific herbicides designed for sedges.

6. Plantain (Plantago spp.)

Plantain is a hardy, broadleaf weed that spreads through seeds and can withstand frequent mowing.

Characteristics: Broad leaves that grow in a rosette pattern with tall seed stalks.

Control: Hand-pull plants when the soil is moist and use a broadleaf weed killer for larger infestations.

7. Bindweed (Convolvulus spp.)

Bindweed is a fast-growing, vine-like weed that can smother grass and other plants. It’s one of the most persistent types of invasive lawn weeds.

Characteristics: Arrow-shaped leaves and white or pink funnel-shaped flowers.

Control: Regular mowing and deep digging to remove roots, combined with herbicide application.

8. Chickweed (Stellaria media)

Chickweed is a fast-spreading annual weed that thrives in cool, damp conditions.

Characteristics: Small white flowers and sprawling stems.

Control: Maintain a healthy, dense lawn and use herbicides to eliminate larger patches.

9. Nutsedge (Cyperus rotundus)

Nutsedge is another common sedge that can invade poorly drained lawns. It’s often considered one of the toughest lawn weeds to control.

Characteristics: Grass-like appearance with shiny leaves and a triangular stem.

Control: Improve lawn drainage and apply sedge-specific herbicides.

10. Dock (Rumex spp.)

Dock weeds are perennial broadleaf weeds with long taproots, making them difficult to eradicate once established.

Characteristics: Large, oval leaves with wavy edges.

Control: Dig out taproots and use selective herbicides.

How to Prevent and Manage All Types of Lawn Weeds

Keeping your lawn weed-free requires a proactive approach. Here are some tips for effective weed management:

1. Mow Regularly

Frequent mowing at the correct height prevents weeds from flowering and producing seeds. Consider using a professional lawn mowing service to maintain a consistent schedule.

2. Fertilize and Aerate

A healthy lawn is your best defense against weeds. Fertilize regularly and aerate the soil annually to promote robust grass growth.

3. Apply Pre-Emergent Herbicides

Pre-emergent herbicides prevent weed seeds from germinating. Apply them early in the growing season for the best results.

4. Remove Weeds by Hand

For smaller infestations, hand-pulling weeds is an effective method, especially for those with deep taproots like dandelions.

5. Use Targeted Herbicides

Choose herbicides specifically formulated for the types of lawn weeds you’re dealing with. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe and effective application.

Conclusion

Understanding the different types of lawn weeds is essential for maintaining a healthy, beautiful lawn. From broadleaf invaders like dandelions and clover to invasive grass weeds like crabgrass, identifying and addressing these common lawn culprits will help you protect your outdoor space.

If managing weeds feels overwhelming, let the experts at Jim’s Mowing NZ take care of it for you. Our lawn care professionals are equipped to handle all types of lawn weeds, ensuring your grass stays lush and weed-free. Call us today at 0800 454 654 to book your service and enjoy a pristine lawn year-round!