Types Of Creeping Lawn Weeds And How To Get Rid Of Them

Imagine creeping lawn weeds appearing in your yard when you wake up in the morning. It’s not a happy sight, but their growth isn’t inevitable. You can learn about types of creeping lawn weeds and how to get rid of them.

Weeds Vs Grass

There are many ways to find out which plants are weeds, how to get rid of them, and how to prevent them from growing again. We will cover that and more today in this guide on creeping lawn weeds. 

Weeds Vs Grass

Most people don’t know the difference between weeds and grass. They don’t know the difference because they believe there is a list of grass types and a list of weed types. But this isn’t the case.

You can classify any grass or plant as a weed that is invasive and unattractive. That’s what really makes a weed what it is, the fact that it is unwanted. Whereas grass is green, attractive, and always wanted. 

Why Get Rid Of Creeping Lawn Weeds?

Why Get Rid Of Weeds?

Weeds are no fund and that’s easy to see. However, most people just see weeds and think, “there are weeds there, better get rid of them,” without knowing why it’s important to do so. And no, it’s not just because they are ugly. 

Weeds can be dangerous to the other life around them. Many weeds cause allergies while others are poisonous. But it’s always other plants that suffer. Unwanted weeds can steal the nutrients from plants in your yard. 

How To Get Rid Of Creeping Lawn Weeds

weeds that look like grass

Getting rid of weeds can be done in a few different ways. There are many materials or substances that snuff out weeds. The problem is that weeds are harder to kill than grass so if you kill the weeds, it’s hard not to kill the grass too.

Salt

Salt kills weeds the same way that it can kill other plants and insects like termites. It disrupts water flow and dries out the plant. It is easy to place only on the weeds and not the grass, leaving the weeds to wilt and die.

Newspaper

Newspaper is an amazing tool that you can shred up and sprinkle over weeds. Wood chips can do the same thing but the newspaper is available anywhere. It smothers the weeds while decomposing. 

Vinegar 

Vinegar can be deadly to weeds. It also dehydrates the weeds only does so faster than salt. Mix the two together for an even faster job well done. Just keep in mind that you may need to do so a few days in a row.

Soap

Dish soap in particular can kill weeds. You can use it alone, or mix it with vinegar. You can mix most of these ingredients together to create a cocktail that will take care of those weeds in no time. 

Hot Water

Or rather, boiling water, will boil those weeds and cause them to die. This works on most plants so be careful. Boiling water can also be poured down anthills to kill entire communities of ants harassing your yard. 

Bleach

Bleach is a strong chemical that does a wonderful job at killing weeds. It can take care of weeds in any area faster than almost anything else. Though most people use it as a last resort because it is just so strong.

Weed Killer

Weedkiller almost always works. Of course, it’s a weedkiller! But it is also quite strong and will harm almost anything that it touches. So use it as instructed on the box after trying the more natural options. 

Types Of Creeping Lawn Weeds

Types Of Lawn Weeds

There are many types of weeds that you want to get rid of as soon as you can. In fact, there are so many different kinds that we just can’t cover them all. So instead, we’ve listed some of the most common. 

Dandelion 

Dandelions are often considered weeds because once they start growing, it’s hard to get rid of them. Even if you do, they seem to come back year after year, growing back with more friends than ever each time. 

Green Foxtail

The green foxtail is a bushy weed that is very invasive to crops. Their seeds can blow hundreds of yards in the wind in a day and can overcrowd yards and fields, making it very difficult to mow or harvest. 

Ragweed

Ragweed can be a very strong weed that many people are very allergic to. Not only are many people allergic to it but most people with asthma notice flare-ups when around it. So keeping it away is a must. 

Clover

These small white flowers aren’t bad to look at but they can spread quite fast. They aren’t a must to get rid of because they’re great for pollinating but you may want to keep them to a minimum so you have room for other plants.

Canada Thistle

Don’t be ashamed if you want to get rid of this purple thistle. The sharp barbs are annoying and dangerous. They are difficult to get rid of because they must be uprooted and not just pulled or snipped. 

Crabgrass

Weeds Vs Grass

Crabgrass looks just like any other grass only it has a rougher texture. Each plant can produce up to 150,000 seeds ensuring that you don’t just have one patch of this green grass. Which is fine unless you want softer grass.

Poison Oak

Not to be confused with its cousin poison ivy, poison oak also means business. It has the same dangers as ivy does, causing people to break out into hives or contract dermatitis. Get rid of this guy with gloves! 

Creeping Charlie

This strange-named weed is also called ground ivy. And ground ivy can grow with little to no help. It can grow in dry areas, shady areas, wet areas, and sunny areas. Though the purple plant prefers dry and shady areas. 

Purslane

Purslane has small yellow flowers that make it easy to recognize. While it may seem harmless, it can prevent grass from growing by creating a net over the soil. So if you want grass, you don’t want purslane.

Jimson Weed

Jimson weed is also called the devil’s snare which is reason enough not to want it. If ingested, the plant can cause hallucinations, hyperthermia, erratic heart rhythms, and yes, death too. So please keep this plant away. 

Oxalis

These pretty white flowers seem harmless but they are. Also called wood sorrel, oxalis is a weed that can take over an area so that those with gardens hate to hear the interesting name. 

Hogweed

Giant hogweed is also never wanted. Funny enough, it’s part of the carrot family but it is not a vegetable. These tall plants are toxic and can cause skin irritation and blistering. The scars can be seen for years to come.

How To Prevent Creeping Lawn Weeds

Preventing weeds is the best route you can take. Because you don’t just want to get rid of them now, you want to keep them from ever appearing. That’s killing two birds with one stone. Here’s how to prevent weeds. 

Mow High For Creeping Lawn Weeds

Yes, don’t let your grass get cut so low that soil is visible. Mow more often and mow higher or else you leave room for weeds to grow. Keep the soil covered and weeds are much less likely to grow through the tight sod. 

Fertilize 

Fertilizing your grass may seem like it will have ill effects and cause weeds to grow, but it’s just the opposite. If you keep your grass fertilized, then it will end up staying healthy and the weeds won’t be able to grow.

Don’t Overwater

If you overwater your grass, weeds may end up growing. Instead of watering too often, water a lot when you water. Water deep to keep the grass healthy. Again, healthy grass is the best way to prevent weeds from forming. 

Water Then Weed

If you pull weeds out of dry soil then they are more likely to leave roots behind. Instead, water the area and then pull the weeds out with your hand near the base. Plant grass seed in its place to further help prevent them.

Mulch

Mulch can work as its own weed barrier, preventing weeds and keeping plants healthy and with nutrients. You can use many different things as mulch, so work with your own concoctions of what you have available. 

Creeping Lawn Weeds Barrier 

A weed barrier is the single best way to prevent weeds in areas that don’t have grass. They will prevent all plants from growing so cut around plants that you want to stay healthy. This works for gravel beds!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)FAQ

What Are The Creeping Lawn Weeds Taking Over My Lawn?

To identify creeping lawn weeds in your yard, you need to look at the characteristics of the plant. Start with the color and find all weeds that are the same color. Then move on to texture. Follow this plan with other traits.

How Many Different Types Of Weeds Are There?

There are dozens of different types of weeds. The classification is based on lifespan. These are annual weeds, biennial weeds, and perennial weeds. 

Are Creeping Lawn Weeds Different Than Grass?

Yes. Grass is part of the Poaceae family. Weeds are not a scientific term to describe a species of plant, but a general term. Grassy weeds and grass are not the same things.

Are Creeping Lawn Weeds Ever Good?

If you keep them in your garden, weeds can be good if you take the time to turn them into fertilizer. If you keep them away from your garden, tall weeds act as a natural shelter for wild animals too. 

What Kills Creeping Lawn Weeds But Not Grass?

To kill weeds but not grass, you will need to buy fertilizer made for this purpose. Natural weedkillers will kill grass too. This is unfortunate but at least there is an over-the-counter option.

Don’t Lose Hope With Creeping Lawn Weeds

Any gardener or farmer will tell you that the last thing you want to do is lose hope. The weeds will go away in time, you just have to keep at it. If you do, then you can enjoy your perfect yard weed-free.

Remember, weeds are plants too. They belong somewhere, just not always in your yard. So appreciate them for what they are while you’re getting rid of them. Every plant is a gift and deserves a place on this earth.