Oklahoma Weed Identification & Control Guide
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.
Broadleaf Weeds vs. Grassy Weeds: Why It Matters
Before getting 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.
Common Weeds in Tulsa-Area Lawns
The most common weeds include crabgrass, dandelions, clover, dallisgrass, henbit, and chickweed. Here's what you need to know about each one.
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
Three-leaf clusters on creeping stems with white or pinkish ball-shaped flowers. Low-growing and spreading. Perennial — most visible in spring and fall.
Often indicates low nitrogen levels in soil. Can dominate weak lawns. Spreads aggressively via stolons.
Control: Broadleaf herbicides work well. Proper fertilization often reduces clover naturally since it thrives in low-nitrogen conditions.
Dallisgrass
Coarse, clumping grass that grows faster and taller than surrounding Bermuda. Distinctive seed heads on tall stalks. Grows in unsightly clumps. Perennial warm-season grass — most obvious in summer.
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: Spot treatment with non-selective herbicide followed by reseeding. Multiple applications 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. 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.
