Oklahoma lawns face a variety of weeds throughout the year, from crabgrass in summer to henbit in winter. Identifying your weeds correctly is the first step to controlling them because different weeds require different treatments. The most common weeds in Tulsa-area lawns include crabgrass, dandelions, clover, dallisgrass, henbit, and chickweed. Complete Lawn Care’s 7-step program addresses both broadleaf and grassy weeds with properly timed pre-emergent and post-emergent treatments.
Broadleaf Weeds vs. Grassy Weeds: Why It Matters
Before we get into specific weeds, understand that there are two main categories, and they require different control methods:
Broadleaf weeds have wide, obvious leaves that look nothing like grass. Think dandelions, clover, and chickweed. These are generally easier to control because selective herbicides can kill them without harming your lawn grass.
Grassy weeds look like grass but aren’t your lawn grass. Think crabgrass and dallisgrass. These are harder to control because they’re so similar to the grass you want to keep. Prevention is usually more effective than treatment.
Crabgrass
What it looks like: Light green, coarse-textured grass that grows low and spreads outward in a crab-like pattern. Stems radiate from a central point. Leaves are wider than Bermuda grass.
When it appears: Germinates in late spring when soil temperatures reach 55-60°F. Most visible from June through September. Dies with the first frost.
Why it’s a problem: A single plant can produce 150,000+ seeds. It thrives in thin, stressed lawns and quickly takes over weak areas. Very difficult to control once established.
Control: Pre-emergent herbicide in late February to early March is the only reliable control. Post-emergent options exist but are much less effective. Prevention is key.
Dandelions
What it looks like: Rosette of deeply lobed leaves growing from a central point. Bright yellow flowers turn into white puffball seed heads. Long taproot.
When it appears: Perennial weed visible year-round. Most obvious in spring when yellow flowers appear.
Why it’s a problem: A deep taproot makes hand-pulling difficult (any root piece left behind regrows). Seeds spread easily by wind. Indicates thin or stressed turf.
Control: Broadleaf herbicides are very effective. Best applied in fall when plants are storing nutrients in roots. A thick, healthy lawn naturally crowds out dandelions.
White Clover
What it looks like: Three-leaf clusters (occasionally four!) on creeping stems. White or pinkish ball-shaped flowers. Low-growing and spreading.
When it appears: Perennial. Most visible in spring and fall. Tolerates close mowing and foot traffic.
Why it’s a problem: Spreads aggressively via stolons. Often indicates low nitrogen levels in soil. Can dominate weak lawns.
Control: Broadleaf herbicides work well. Proper fertilization often reduces clover naturally since it thrives in low-nitrogen conditions.
Dallisgrass
What it looks like: Coarse, clumping grass that grows faster and taller than surrounding Bermuda. Distinctive seed heads on tall stalks. Grows in unsightly clumps.
When it appears: Perennial warm-season grass. Most obvious in summer when it outgrows Bermuda between mowings.
Why it’s a problem: Extremely difficult to control. Forms a deep root system. No selective herbicide kills it without harming Bermuda. One of the most frustrating weeds in Oklahoma.
Control: Limited options. Spot treatment with non-selective herbicide (kills everything) followed by reseeding. Multiple applications are usually required. Prevention through thick, healthy turf is the best approach.
Henbit
What it looks like: Square stems with rounded, scalloped leaves. Purple tubular flowers in spring. Grows upright, 4-12 inches tall.
When it appears: Winter annual. It germinates in fall, overwinters as a small plant, and explodes with growth and flowers in early spring before dying in summer heat.
Why it’s a problem: Very visible in early spring when Bermuda is still dormant. Creates purple-flowering patches that look terrible against brown dormant grass.
Control: Fall pre-emergent prevents germination. Post-emergent broadleaf herbicides work but are less effective once plants mature. Best controlled proactively.
The Best Defense: A Healthy Lawn
Here’s the truth about weeds: they’re opportunists. Weeds don’t invade thick, healthy lawns easily because there’s no room for them. Most weed problems indicate an underlying lawn health issue. Address the health problem, and weed pressure decreases naturally.
Complete Lawn Care’s 7-step program addresses weeds two ways: directly through properly timed pre-emergent and post-emergent applications, and indirectly by building a thick, healthy lawn that resists weed invasion. We also offer soil testing to identify underlying nutrient deficiencies.
Contact Complete Lawn. Care:
Phone: (918) 605-4646 | Email: [email protected] | Online: completelawncaretulsa.com/get-a-quote