As the winter sets in and your lawn enters its natural dormant phase, it’s easy to assume that lawn care can be put on hold until the weather warms up again. However, weeds—especially winter weeds—can continue to thrive even while your grass rests. If left unchecked, these pesky invaders can stunt grass growth and cause long-term damage to your turf. Let’s dive in to see how to identify, prevent, and control winter weeds to ensure a healthy lawn for spring.

Understanding Lawn Dormancy and Winter Weeds

Lawn dormancy is a natural response to chilly weather. During this time, grass often turns brown and/or slows its growth to conserve its energy. While your grass is in rest mode, winter weeds thrive in the colder temperatures. You’re most likely to see the following winter weeds pop up around this time:

• Annual Bluegrass
• Chickweed
• Henbit

In addition to creating unsightly patches on your lawn, these weeds compete with your grass for valuable nutrients, water, and sunlight while it tries to grow back in the spring.

Preventative Measures for Winter Weed Control

When it comes to winter weed management, prevention is always key. Here are some of the best ways to keep them from taking over your lawn:

• Apply pre-emergent herbicides in late summer or early fall. These herbicides work by ensuring weed seeds don’t even get a chance to sprout.
• Proper lawn maintenance also helps keep weeds at bay. Mowing your grass discourages weeds by blocking sunlight from reaching their seeds. Make sure to check the recommended mowing height for your turfgrass as well; grass mown too low can encourage weed growth. 
• Strengthening your lawn's soil through aeration and using compost helps create a healthier growing environment for your grass.
• Mulching garden beds and around trees can provide a natural defense against weeds. Mulch helps to retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and prevent weed seeds from taking root.

Active Weed Management During Dormancy

Though prevention methods may be helpful, weeds may still make an appearance in your lawn. Fortunately, there are a variety of approaches to tackle them head-on:

• Post-emergent herbicides are effective for targeting weeds that have already sprouted. These herbicides are formulated to kill weeds without harming your lawn, but it’s best to choose an herbicide that is suitable for your grass type and the specific weeds you're trying to control.
• Manual weed removal can also be an effective method, especially for isolated weeds. Regularly inspecting your lawn for weeds and removing them as soon as they appear will prevent them from spreading further.
• Looking for eco-friendly alternatives? Organic herbicides made from natural oils, vinegar, or other non-toxic ingredients can also be effective at killing winter weeds. Boiling water is another simple, non-chemical approach, but apply carefully to avoid damaging your grass or plants.

Don't Let Winter Weeds Win

By understanding lawn dormancy and taking the right preventative and active measures, you can protect turf from weeds during the cold season. You can start now to ensure your yard will be greener and healthier when warmer weather arrives.

Turner’s Lawn Care experts are happy to customize a winter lawn care plan to meet your grass’ unique needs and keep it in shape all year long.

Give our professionals a call at (904) 495 - 7698 or fill out our free inspection form today.