A weed is defined as any plant growing in an undesirable location. These lawn invaders are classified into three types: broadleaf weeds (which have broad, flat leaves, such as dandelion and clover), grassy weeds (which look and grow like regular turf grass, such as crabgrass and foxtail), and grass-like weeds (which resemble grass but have distinct features like triangular or hollow leaves).

If you feel you have more weeds than grass, you can still reclaim your lawn using specialized products:

• To kill existing broadleaf weeds and fertilize simultaneously, apply Scotts® Turf Builder® Triple Action. (Southern Triple Action is available for the Southeast, offering fire ant control in addition to weed killing and feeding.)
• If your lawn does not need feeding, you can use a straight herbicide to control weeds.
• For isolated weeds, use a ready-to-use spot treatment to control weeds.
• Alternatively, you can hand-pull weeds, which is effective for shallow-rooted annuals (like chickweed), especially when the soil is moist. However, deep-rooted perennials (like thistle) often require chemical control, as they will regrow if the root is left intact.

Always check the product label to ensure compatibility with your specific grass type and follow all directions carefully.

Annual grassy weeds, such as crabgrass and foxtail, are easiest to control in the spring when their seeds are most vulnerable. Applying a crabgrass preventer like Scotts® Turf Builder® Halts® Crabgrass Preventer with Lawn Food will stop these listed weeds before they even sprout.

Beyond pre-emergent products, maintaining a thick, healthy lawn is your best defense:

• Feed Regularly: Fertilize every 6 to 8 weeks during the growing season with a product like Scotts® Turf Builder® Lawn Food to keep your grass thick and competitive against weeds. Aerating and dethatching also helps.
• Mow High: Set your mower to one of the highest settings. Taller grass shades the soil, blocking the sunlight that weed seeds need to germinate.
• Water Deeply: Water infrequently but deeply to encourage strong, deep grass roots. Deep roots help the turf withstand stress and grow dense enough to crowd out weeds, whereas shallow watering creates conditions where weeds thrive.