Identifying Common Weeds

When it comes to weeds, it can be tough to identify exactly what you are dealing with. That’s why Weed Man has compiled a list of some of the most common weeds to help you put a name to those pesky plants growing in your lawn.

Dandelions

Chances are, you’re familiar with dandelions – with their distinctive yellow flower, they’re hard to miss! While dandelions aren’t harmful, they are despised by many homeowners because of their tendency to spread.

Dandelions first begin their lifecycle as long stalks with a green bud at the top. This bud eventually flowers into the notorious yellow top that we are used to seeing. Following this, the flower turns into small white seedlings (or “fluffs”) that spread via wind, and the cycle starts again. Because they spread so easily, you can end up with an infestation through just a few dandelions!

Nutsedge

Nutsedge, a grassy weed, can be harder to identify because it looks like very long blades of regular grass. This, of course, depends on the type of nutsedge you are dealing with, but one of the more common types in North America is yellow nutsedge, which does appear very grass-like.

Nutsedge is a perennial, which reproduces through underground stems. The easiest way to identify yellow nutsedge is through its triangular stem. Nutsedge will also always be found in “clusters,” where the stem is surrounded by many long leaf blades.

Crabgrass

Crabgrass (also known as “finger grass”) is another grassy weed, and can look similar to something like yellow nutsedge or quackgrass. Crabgrass is a warm-season grass that generally grows later in the season. Like yellow nutsedge, crabgrass will grow in clumps, but these clumps will be very low to the ground and tend to spread horizontally, rather than vertically.

One of the easiest ways to identify this tricky weed is by its star-shaped stump. These will form from the crabgrass shoots, and the leaves will follow, growing independently from the stem.

Moss

Moss is another tricky, unwanted form of growth that is commonly found on the west coast, but can be found elsewhere.

Moss is a spore-bearing land plant that is typically found in moist, shady locations, like in a forest. Moss is easier to identify than some other weeds, as it forms dense green clumps that resemble a thick carpet. When pressure is applied and taken away, the moss will “bounce” back like a cushion.

Though some people do like the look of moss for decorative purposes, it can be pesky for those who wish to avoid it on their property due to its tendency to spread spores through the wind.

No matter what weeds are growing in your lawn, Weed Man Lawn Care can help! Our specially trained technicians will be able to identify the culprit affecting the curb appeal of your lawn and reduce their presence through our Weed Control Program.

Request a free quote today!