Invasive Weeds in Florida You Should Be On the Look-Out For

Weeds are an annoying and inevitable part of lawn care maintenance. However, they can be much more than a nuisance. Invasive weeds can be detrimental to your yard’s health and can harm local ecosystems. For the safety of your lawn, there are certain invasive weeds in Florida you should be aware of so you can remove them as soon as possible. Here are some weeds to be on the look-out for.

The best way to think about weeds is that they are unwanted plants that spread across your lawn. There are various types of weeds, and some are more concerning than others. Weeds should be removed because they compete for space and nutrients in your yard. Beyond damaging nearby plants, many people find them to be eyesores in their yards. Be mindful that not all weeds are dangerous, but specific species need to be taken care of as soon as possible.

Crabgrass is a species of weed that thrives in Florida. It often shows itself in cooler months such as December and January. Unfortunately, once crabgrass grows, it can be difficult to eliminate. Many herbicides used to kill off crabgrass will also harm your healthy grass. This is why it’s important to plan ahead and use a pre-emergent herbicide to prevent its growth. If you see crabgrass, contact a lawn care professional to help remove it without damaging your yard.

Chamberbitter is a name given to two similar plants that have become common weeds in Florida. Both of them are non-native and originate from the continents of Africa and Asia, according to the University of Florida. Chamberbitter weeds reproduce quickly and are known to spread uncontrollably. As soon as you see chamberbitter plants, be sure to pluck them immediately or consult with a professional. They can help you determine the best course of action for removal.

Doveweed is a tricky type of weed because it looks very similar to grass, particularly St. Augustine (which is common locally). This weed species attacks not only St. Augustine grass but other popular types of grass in Florida including Bermuda. If you see doveweed, don’t take it lightly especially if you have a pet at home. Dogs can have severe allergic reactions to it that require medical attention. Doveweed spreads and grows easily, so take appropriate steps to remove it.

Dollarweed is a common weed type that’s frequently found in wet spots on your lawn. It has often been compared to a lily pad in appearance. While some find dollarweed to be aesthetically attractive, this weed species is known to spread very quickly. To reserve space and nutrients for your grass, trees, and any other vegetation, it’s a good idea to remove dollarweed before it becomes uncontrollable.

Bittercress weeds are small leaves that spread rapidly. Once bittercress plants grow around your property, it can be difficult to remove them. Due to its size, it is often challenging to spot in your yard. However, don’t just pull bittercress out. This keeps its roots intact and it’ll regrow. To avoid future growth, call a professional and they can help you with a treatment plan that will get rid of the roots completely.

White clovers have a nice appearance, but many choose to remove this weed for a good reason. It grows throughout your lawn pretty quickly. White clover weeds are usually found near wet soil. Additionally, they are perennial plants and can survive for long periods of time. If you notice white clovers and want to remove them, call a professional today to guide you.

Do you have some pesky weeds you want to get rid of? Progressive Lawn & Landscaping is here to help. We have a team of professional landscapers who know about all types of invasive weeds in Florida and how to remove them successfully. Whether you found bittercress or crabgrass, we have the skills to get the job done. Our team will ensure your lawn is in the best possible condition free of dangerous weeds. That’s our promise to you. Want to say goodbye to weeds? Contact us today for a free estimate.