Weed Management in Lawns

Dealing with weeds in your lawn should be a coordinated effort, not a hit-and-miss operation.

Target weeds while they’re young. For small problems, you can hand pull weeds. For larger problems, you may want to try an appropriate herbicide.

Start by figuring out what kind of weeds you have. Are they broadleaf weeds, grassy weeds, or sedges or rushes? Likewise, what type of grass do you have?

The answers to these questions will help you decide what herbicide products are safe to use on your lawn. Always read the label and follow all instructions.

Above all, remember that the best defense against weeds is a healthy and well maintained lawn. Be sure to follow UF/IFAS Extension recommendations for watering, mowing, and fertilizing, and you’ll help keep pesky weeds at bay.

UF/IFAS Sites

• Video: Weeds in Your Florida Lawn
• Weeds in the Lawn and Garden

UF/IFAS Publications

• EDIS Publications on Specific Lawn Weeds
• Homeowner Best Management Practices for the Home Lawn
• Weed Management in Home Lawns

Also on Gardening in a Minute

• Weeds

Other Sites

• Chemical Weed Control Recommendations--Alabama Cooperative Extension Service (PDF)
• Managing Weeds in Warm-season Lawns--Clemson (SC) Cooperative Extension
• Weed Control in Home Lawns--University of Georgia Cooperative Extension