Dandelions are resilient and will grow just about anywhere, regardless of soil, weather, or growing conditions. The weed’s seeds blow easily far and wide, so it spreads quickly if left untreated. Each plant can be removed by use of a dandelion knife, but this approach can be difficult, and often not very effective if you do not dig deep into the ground and remove all the crown buds. Treating with a broadleaf herbicide is much more effective.

Most lawns have clover, with the most common being white clover. It is a perennial weed meaning it will come back every year. Clover can also fixate Nitrogen from the air, providing its own food source so it can thrive even in an under-nourished lawn. You want to make sure your lawn is fertilized enough so it can stay thick and crowd out the clover. A grass safe herbicide will also control clover before it starts to flower.

Goosegrass grows easily in compacted, poor draining soils. It is a Summer annual weed that germinates when soil temperature reaches 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. It needs moisture and light to grow. It is sometimes confused with crabgrass. Goosegrass germinates later in the season and can continue throughout the summer and even into the fall. By the time you see goosegrass in your yard, it is too late to apply a pre-emergent herbicide. Instead, select a post-emergent herbicide labeled for goosegrass.

Nutsedge is a perennial sedge which means once you have it will come up and be a pest every year. If not controlled, it will spread very rapidly. Yellow Nutsedge appears in the spring a few weeks after crabgrass germinates and grows actively until the first frost. A post-emergent herbicide is recommended. To choose the most effective herbicide, don’t confuse Yellow Nutsedge with Goosegrass, Purple Nutsedge, and Kyllinga.