You might begin seeing weeds pop up across your lawn—and you’re not alone. As temperatures rise and spring kicks in, weeds are often the first thing to show signs of life. While your grass may still be waking up from winter dormancy, weeds are already taking root, flowering, and spreading. What starts as a small patch in the corner of your yard can quickly turn into a lawn-wide invasion if left unchecked.
For Alabama homeowners, weed control is a year-round concern, but spring is when things ramp up fast. Understanding which weeds you’re dealing with—and how to manage them effectively—is key to maintaining a healthy, beautiful lawn.
Why Weeds Matter More Than You Think
Weeds do more than make your lawn look unkempt. They compete with your grass for sunlight, nutrients, and moisture. Many weeds grow faster and more aggressively than turfgrass, especially in thin or stressed areas. Over time, this can lead to patches, bare spots, and even damage to your soil’s structure. Worse, some weeds invite pests and disease.
In short, weeds don’t just affect your lawn’s appearance—they affect its health.
Know Your Enemy: Types of Weeds Found in Alabama
Weeds generally fall into three categories:
- Annuals, such as crabgrass and goosegrass, germinate and die within a single season but leave behind seeds for next year.
- Biennials, like wild carrot, live for two growing seasons and usually flower in their second year.
- Perennials, including clover, dandelion, and nutsedge, return every year and often spread through deep root systems or underground stems.
Identifying the type of weed you’re dealing with helps determine the best time and method for treatment.
Common Weeds to Watch for Right Now
- Crabgrass is one of the most aggressive annual weeds and begins germinating in early spring as soil temperatures warm. It thrives in bare spots and can quickly take over weakened lawns.
- Clover often indicates low nitrogen in your soil. While some homeowners tolerate its presence, it spreads fast and outcompetes turfgrass if not managed.
- Dandelions are resilient and widespread. Their deep taproots make them difficult to pull, and once they flower, their seeds can spread quickly in the wind.
- Nutsedge is a tough perennial that resembles grass but grows faster and taller. It thrives in moist, poorly drained areas and can be tricky to eliminate without targeted products.
- Chickweed and henbit are cool-season weeds that emerged in winter but are now flowering and setting seed. If not addressed now, they’ll return in full force next year.
How to Take Control
Build a Stronger Lawn with Cultural Practices
The best long-term defense against weeds is a thick, healthy lawn. Proper mowing height, consistent watering, and seasonal fertilization all play a role in choking out weed growth. Grass that’s dense and thriving leaves little room for weeds to take hold.
Use Mechanical Removal for Small Infestations
Hand-pulling or using a weeding tool can be effective for isolated weeds—especially before they flower. Be sure to get the root, especially for deep-rooted weeds like dandelions.
Apply the Right Herbicides at the Right Time
- Pre-emergents should be applied now, in early spring, before summer weeds like crabgrass germinate.
- Post-emergents help control weeds that are already growing. Use selective herbicides designed for your specific turf type to avoid damaging your lawn.
When It’s Time to Call in a Professional
Some weeds are just too persistent or widespread to handle on your own. If you’re seeing repeat infestations, multiple weed types, or signs that your turf is thinning, it may be time to bring in a lawn care expert. At Steven’s Wack-n-Sack, we understand the specific weeds and growing conditions common in Alabama. Our team can identify what’s growing, treat it at the root, and create a customized plan to help your lawn recover and stay weed-free throughout the season.
Weeds don’t wait—and neither should you. As spring gets underway, taking early action can save you from a full-blown weed outbreak later in the season. With the right knowledge and a proactive approach, you can keep your lawn healthy and green. And if you need a hand? Steven’s Wack-n-Sack is just a phone call away.
