Weeds! They often seem to appear like magic, ruining the appearance of your lawn or inhibiting the growth of other desirable plants on your property. Just like any plant, certain types of weeds thrive in different climates and seasons.

Weeds are often categorized in several ways. Any plant that is undesirable in the location it is growing is technically a weed. Weeds may damage ecosystems or cause unfavorable economic outcomes for farmers or other industries that grow plants to sell. Some weeds can also cause health issues for animals or people. According to the US Bureau of Land Management, “a noxious weed is any plant designated by a Federal, State or county government as injurious to public health, agriculture, recreation, wildlife or property”. (https://www.blm.gov/programs/natural-resources/weeds-and-invasives/about) There are also invasive weeds. These weeds were introduced into an ecosystem instead of naturally occurring. Because of this, they don’t have natural competitors to limit their growth and can quickly overrun the plants that are native to the area. One of the most famous examples of an invasive weed is kudzu, a vining weed that is native to Asia and now familiar to most southerners. Other weeds, such as clover and dandelions actually offer benefits – including attracting pollinators – but still spread quickly and unpredictably, so their presence in your yard can be frustrating, depending on your lawn care goals.

Let’s take a look at three of the common weeds affecting lawns in Georgia and South Carolina. All three of these weeds fall into the category of grassy weeds, whereas the clover just mentioned is categorized as a broadleaf weed.

Crabgrass: This infamous weed is prevalent in many southern lawns and garden beds, also growing in cracks in your driveway, sidewalk or any other concrete surface. While you may feel like you are wilting, crabgrass thrives in our summer heat, even in drought.

Nutsedge: Unlike crabgrass, nutsedge prefers moist soil. If you notice patches of nutsedge, you may want to evaluate if soil in the area isn’t draining properly or if a sprinkler head is leaking. Although, like many weeds, it can grow despite those conditions. It’s a perennial, so if nutsedge isn’t controlled, it may die back in cold temperatures but emerge again in the spring. In Georgia and South Carolina, the most common varieties are yellow nutsedge and purple nutsedge.

Annual Bluegrass: Also known as Poa annua, annual bluegrass doesn’t thrive in the heat. It germinates in late summer or fall, appears in the winter, dying off when the heat returns. Because of this growing pattern, annual bluegrass, if not addressed, can cause bare patches in your lawn during the summer months. Annual bluegrass also prefers moist conditions and typically thrives in lawns that are cut shorter. (Leaving your mower settings higher can help you curb an annual bluegrass problem.)

These are only a few of the weeds that can inhibit proper grass growth and impact the look of your lawn. To ensure unwanted weeds don’t overtake your lawn, weed control is key. The knowledgeable team at Matthews Turf Management can help save you time and stress, while keeping your weeds under control – and your lawn looking its best. We help homeowners across the greater Augusta, GA, area, including Evans & Grovetown, GA, and North Augusta, SC. Call today to request a quote. New customers receive 25 percent off their first treatment!