Summers in the South bring sunshine, long days, and unfortunately, the perfect conditions for pesky weeds to thrive. When left unchecked, these unwelcome invaders can quickly overtake your lawn, stealing nutrients, water, and sunlight from your grass. With the hot, humid climate of Southern states, lawn care isn’t just a seasonal chore but a continual process to ensure your yard stays lush and healthy.

Weeds like crabgrass, nutsedge, and spurge are just a few of the culprits homeowners face during summer. Whether you’re a seasoned lawn enthusiast or tackling weed control for the first time, this guide will arm you with the essential knowledge and tips to keep your lawn thriving all season long.

Why Weeds Love Southern Summers

The combination of extreme heat, heavy rains, and high humidity creates an environment where weeds flourish. Unlike your grass, which requires careful tending, many weeds thrive in less-than-ideal soil conditions. Their robust adaptability allows them to out-compete turfgrass, leading to patchy, uneven lawns.

But there’s good news—understanding the specific challenges of summer weed control, and knowing how to combat common weed types, can put you back in charge of your yard.

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Common Summer Weeds in Southern Lawns

1. Crabgrass

Crabgrass is a fast-spreading annual weed that loves full sun and compacted soils. Its wide, flat blades form dense patches, making it an eyesore in any lawn.

Why It’s a Problem:

Crabgrass grows aggressively during the summer months, crowding out healthy turfgrass. Once established, its seeds can persist in your soil for years, creating an ongoing battle.

2. Nutsedge

Easily mistaken for grass, nutsedge stands out with its bright green, triangular stems and rapid growth. Found mostly in overwatered or poorly drained areas, nutsedge thrives in humid Southern summers.

Why It’s a Problem:

Nutsedge spreads via underground tubers, making it particularly difficult to control without targeted herbicides. Even small patches can quickly take over if left untreated.

3. Spurge

Spurge is a low-growing weed with small, oval leaves. It’s often found in areas with thinning grass or poor lawn management practices.

Why It’s a Problem:

Its rapid seed production allows spurge to spread fast, especially in hot, sunny conditions. Its sprawling growth habit can smother nearby turfgrass, stunting the overall development of your lawn.

Essential Weed Control Tips for Southern Lawns

1. Proper Mowing Practices

Cutting your grass at the correct height helps it thrive and reduces opportunities for weeds to take hold. For most Southern turfgrass varieties, like Bermuda and Zoysia, aim for the following:

  • Mowing Height: Maintain a height of 1-2 inches for Bermuda grass and 1-2.5 inches for Zoysia grass. Taller grass creates shade, making it more difficult for weed seeds to germinate.
  • Sharpen Your Mower Blades: Dull blades tear the grass rather than cutting it cleanly, leaving it more susceptible to stress and weed invasion.

Tip: Avoid cutting more than one-third of the grass blade in a single mow. This can stress your lawn and encourage weed growth.

2. Watering Wisely

Overwatering creates conditions ripe for weeds like nutsedge and spurge, while underwatering weakens your grass, making it vulnerable to invaders.

  • Optimal Watering Schedule: Deep, infrequent watering (1 inch per week, including rainfall) encourages strong root growth in your grass while discouraging weeds.
  • Timing Matters: Water in the early morning to reduce evaporation and minimize fungal risks.

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3. Fertilization Know-How

Healthy grass can outcompete weeds, but improper fertilization can tip the scales in favor of weeds.

  • Use slow-release fertilizers to provide a steady nutrient supply. Nitrogen overload can cause both your lawn and certain weeds, like crabgrass, to grow too quickly.
  • Always test your soil to determine nutrient needs before applying fertilizer.

4. Herbicide Application

Using the right herbicide at the right time is critical to controlling summer weeds effectively.

Pre-Emergent Herbicides:

  • Apply in late winter or early spring to prevent seeds like crabgrass from sprouting.
  • Products with active ingredients like pendimethalin or dithiopyr work well for Southern lawn varieties.

Post-Emergent Herbicides:

  • Use during the summer months to tackle established weeds like spurge and nutsedge.
  • Look for products containing halosulfuron for nutsedge and 2,4-D for broadleaf weeds like spurge.

Application Tips:

  • Target weeds directly and follow label instructions to avoid damaging your grass.
  • Avoid applying herbicides during extreme heat, which can stress your lawn.

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Identifying Specific Weed Problems

Not all weeds are created equal, and accurately identifying what’s growing in your yard is crucial to choosing the best treatment plan. Here are signs to look for:

  • Yellow or discolored patches: Could indicate nutsedge, particularly in waterlogged areas.
  • Wide, flat leaf blades: Likely crabgrass, especially along driveway edges or compacted soil areas.
  • Low-growing, sprawling weeds: Spurge often grows close to the ground in patches of thinning grass.

If you’re unsure what you’re dealing with, consult a local lawn care professional or your county extension service for assistance.

When to Call in the Pros

DIY weed control can be effective, but certain situations warrant the expertise of a professional:

  • Widespread Infestations: When weeds have taken over large areas, professionals can use advanced products and techniques to regain control.
  • Persistent Problems: If you’ve tried everything and weeds keep coming back, it may require a deeper analysis of your soil or lawn care practices.
  • Customized Care Plans: Lawn care experts tailor weed control strategies to your specific grass type, soil conditions, and regional climate.

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Trust Turf Management Systems for Weed-Free Lawns

Maintaining a lush lawn in the Southern summer heat is no easy task, but with the right strategies and expert help, it’s entirely achievable. At Turf Management Systems, we specialize in customized weed control solutions designed to tackle even the toughest lawn invaders.

Our team of experts understands the unique challenges of Southern weeds and how to combat them using environmentally responsible products and practices. Whether you need preventive care or help reversing an infestation, we’ll work with you to create a healthy, vibrant lawn you can be proud of.


Contact Turf Management Systems today for a consultation and take the first step towards a weed-free, carefree summer!