5 Common New England Lawn Weeds & How to Get Rid of Them

Nothing in life is promised except death…and lawn weeds. We know that’s not really how the saying goes, but sometimes it sure feels like it. You might feel as though you’re doing all the right things, but lawn weeds still seem to creep in.

We know that weeds can be a major source of frustration. You want a lawn that you’re proud to show off and weeds can detract from that. Unfortunately, many New England weeds can be quite aggressive which is why you need an effective weed control plan.

In this article, we’ll dive into some of the most common lawn weeds in New England and how to deal with them.

Common Lawn Weeds in New England

Unfortunately, there are a lot of different types of New England weeds that we see here in the Seacoast region. But let’s focus on five of the most common.

1. Oxalis

This low-growing summer weed can sometimes be mistaken for clover (which is also on our list) as they have similarly shaped leaves. But Oxalis has yellow flowers (and clover has white). This nuisance weed can quickly take over a healthy lawn due to its fast-spreading nature and its prolific seeding. 

This broadleaf weed can be difficult to control and may require targeted and repeated efforts.

2. Dandelion

Dandelion roughly translates to “lion’s teeth,” because of the weed’s tooth-like leaf serrations. While it has a sweet-sounding name, this New England lawn weed is a major nuisance as it can grow and spread quickly. In fact, conditions don’t have to be perfect for this weed to thrive. It is quite hardy and can tolerate a lot.

Fortunately, dandelions are pretty easy to control with an effective broadleaf weed control product applied during active growth.

3. Crabgrass

Of the lawn weeds in New England we’re talking about, this is definitely one of the more aggressive and difficult-to-control varieties. This grassy weed can grow in unsightly clumps and take over large areas of the lawn if not managed. It tends to pop up in thinned-out areas of the lawn or edges that have been scalped by a trimmer.

Due to its aggressive nature, crabgrass is best controlled with pre-emergent applications that will prevent germination. Any breakthrough can be controlled with post-emergent controls.

4. Chickweed

This weed gets its name due to being a common ingredient in birdseed. It is characterized by tiny white flowers and fleshy, egg-like leaves. Chickweed tends to grow in the shade and in thinned-out lawn areas. 

Chickweed is best treated with selective, broadleaf weed control.

5. White Clover

White clover is a common New England lawn weed that tends to prefer soils with low pH. It has a shallow root system but can spread quickly in areas of the lawn that are thin (where it does not have to compete with healthy turf).

Although clover can be very fast-growing, it’s also relatively easy to control with selective broadleaf weed control. But if you have a severe case, it’s something to stay on top of.

Weed Control in New England

With so many different types of weeds out there (we’ve only mentioned five), it’s important to work with professional lawn care services. A pro can address the specific problems in your lawn with the most effective solution.

What’s important to understand about weed control is that different weeds often require different solutions. That’s why it’s important to work with a professional who will use a comprehensive program with varied controls. 

The time of the year also has an impact on the best approach to weed control in New England. Different types of weeds are going to thrive at different times of the year. It’s important that your lawn care provider is switching up what they’re offering and not just taking a blanket approach.

Seacoast Turf Care takes New England weeds seriously. We provide lawn care services in Southern NH, Southern Maine, and Northeastern Massachusetts. We know lawn weeds are often one of the biggest sources of frustration for homeowners. We take a science-based approach to all of our lawn care services. That includes promoting a thick and healthy lawn that is going to start to naturally choke out weeds on its own.

In time, the healthier your lawn is, the fewer weed control products you’ll need to keep weeds out. Many New England weeds struggle to creep into a thick lawn! That means when you partner with us, you’ll be able to let go of your weedy worries and simply get back to enjoying your lawn to the fullest.

Ready to be where the grass is greener, healthier, and free from weeds? Get lawn care pricing for your Southern NH, ME, or MA lawn.

Image Source: oxalis, dandelion, chickweed, white clover