The Different Lawn Weeds in Tennessee & How to Identify Them

In Tennessee, a variety of lawn weeds can plague your grass, making it crucial to be able to identify and manage them effectively. Among the most common weeds in the region are clover, henbit, wild violet, crabgrass, and nutsedge. Clover stands out with its three-lobed leaves and white or pink flowers, thriving in moist environments. Henbit, flowering from late winter to early spring, features square stems and clusters of pink to purple tubular flowers. Wild violets are recognizable by their heart-shaped leaves. Crabgrass, an annual intruder, emerges in spring and summer, characterized by its low-growing habit and long, green to purple-hued leaves. Nutsedge, on the other hand, displays light-green foliage, growing in clumps with triangular-shaped leaves. Understanding these weeds' characteristics is key to maintaining a healthy, weed-free lawn in Tennessee.

Clover is a common lawn weed in Tennessee.

In Tennessee, clover is a common lawn weed that can be both beneficial and troublesome. Clover is easily recognizable by its distinctive three-lobed leaves and small white or pinkish flowers. This weed spreads rapidly through its ability to reseed itself and its tolerance to mowing, making it a persistent nuisance in lawns. Clover thrives in Tennessee's climate, particularly in the spring and fall when temperatures are cooler and moisture levels are higher. Despite its invasive nature, some property owners tolerate clover in their lawns due to its nitrogen-fixing properties, which can benefit the soil.

Henbit, an invasive weed, blooms from late winter to early spring.

Henbit is a common winter annual weed that can quickly invade lawns. Henbit is easily identifiable by its square stems, opposite leaves with rounded teeth, and clusters of small, pink to purple tubular flowers that bloom from late winter to early spring. This weed spreads through prolific seed production and can quickly take over bare or thin areas of turf. Henbit thrives in cool, moist conditions, making Tennessee's fall and winter months ideal for its growth.

Wild violet is a lawn weed that commonly gets mistaken for flowers.

Wild violet is a common and stubborn lawn weed found in Tennessee, known for its heart-shaped leaves and delicate purple flowers. These weeds spread through underground rhizomes and seeds, making them difficult to eradicate once established. Wild violets can thrive in a variety of conditions but are particularly prevalent in shaded areas with moist, fertile soil. They often grow vigorously in the spring and fall, taking advantage of cooler temperatures and ample moisture. Their presence can be frustrating for homeowners striving for a uniform lawn, as they tend to form dense patches that resist traditional mowing.

Crabgrass is a low-growing weed that reproduces by seeds.

Crabgrass is a prevalent and troublesome weed that plagues lawns across the state of Tennessee. Crabgrass is easily identifiable by its low-growing, spreading habit and its distinctive appearance, with wide, flat blades that radiate from a central point, resembling crab legs. This weed spreads rapidly through prolific seed production, which can remain viable in the soil for several years. Crabgrass thrives in Tennessee's warm and humid climate, germinating in late spring and thriving throughout the hot summer months, and often takes advantage of bare or thin areas in lawns.

Nutsedge is an aggressive weed prevalent in Tennessee.

Nutsedge is another weed commonly found in lawns. Nutsedge, also known as nutgrass, is distinguishable by its grass-like appearance and triangular-shaped stems. It can quickly invade lawns, spreading through its extensive underground tubers, known as nutlets, which allow it to survive and regrow even after mowing. Nutsedge thrives in Tennessee's warm and humid climate, making its growth particularly prevalent during the summer months when temperatures are high and rainfall is abundant. This weed can quickly overtake a lawn if left unchecked, competing with grass for nutrients and water. Controlling nutsedge often requires herbicides to prevent its spread and regrowth, making it a challenging weed for property owners to manage.

Contact us today to sign up for our weed control service!

At Herbi-Systems, we're dedicated to helping you achieve a lush, weed-free lawn. Our comprehensive weed control service includes pre- and post-emergent treatments to target weeds year-round. We apply pre-emergent treatments twice in spring and once in the fall to prevent weed growth, and our post-emergent treatment is applied seven times a year to eliminate existing weeds. Whether you're a homeowner, business owner, or part of an HOA in Memphis, Collierville, Germantown, TN, or a nearby area, we're here to help. Contact us at (901) 382-5296 to sign up and get started on your journey to a healthier lawn today!