If you have worked hard to have a lush lawn in Texas, the last thing you want to see growing in it are weeds. Grass and grass-like weeds can infiltrate and compete with cultivated grass. An effective weed program also requires identification of the undesirable species as to its classification as a grassy weed, a broadleaf weed, an annual or a perennial. Here’s a list of weeds that may be infesting your lawn this Fall.
Cleavers
Also called Velcro plant or bedstraw. Likes wooded/shady areas. Easy to pull out. Dangerous to pets who can get internal bleeding from its raspy foliage.
Chickweed
Prolific at seeding: one plant can produce 2500 to 15,000 seeds. Birds like the seeds so they will spread it around for you and it often grows in recently disturbed soil so it can really take over in new gardens. It can also spread vegetatively, so as these stems lie on the soil they can root and form very large mats.
Henbit
A member of the mint family, is a upright winter annual that blooms in the spring. It has the mint’s square stem and prolific seeding habit!
Sow thistle
This is one with a deep taproot. It does attract ladybugs so you might want to leave a few around but be careful of it’s low mat on top following by spikes with yellow flowers.
Wild carrot
Don’t mistake these for the ones that go in your salad. The leafy tops may look like carrot tops but the seeds are very stick and go everywhere in your house, as well as all over the garden next year.
Garlic mustard
The cool season biannual herb is a special problem for your garden throughout the Fall months. Effective management of this weed requires a long commitment due to its five year viability in the soil. Cutting the weed close to the stem will help control this Texas weed.
Cheat grass
Cheat grass is a winter annual weed that can be extremely flammable in dry conditions. If you hand pull this Texas weed, make sure you get it low near the base or the stalks will regrow.
The secret to a healthy lawn is healthy turf grass. Weeds thrive in lawns with low fertility and bare spots where turf grass is thinly growing or non-existent. Be mindful when using herbicides of any kind as they can be a health hazard if handled incorrectly. Contact your local Texas weed control professional if you have any questions beyond what is covered here as well as tips for successful control of these and any other weeds common to your area.
