10 Annoying Weeds In Your Yard and How to Get Rid of Them

You’ve got your coffee in one hand and garden gloves in the other, ready to tackle the day’s gardening to-do list, only to find that weeds have launched a full-blown invasion overnight.

There’s nothing more frustrating than seeing your hard work undone by these relentless invaders like crabgrass, ragweed, or the dreaded sandbur.

It’s the same old story every weekend, isn’t it? But don’t throw in the trowel just yet! I’ve been right where you are, and together, we’ll go through some tried and true methods to get those pesky weeds under control and keep your yard looking sharp.

Plantain

You might stumble upon plantain in your lawn or garden, recognizing it by its broad, flat leaves forming a low rosette. This weed thrives in moist areas, whether in full sun or deep shade. While it’s not the worst offender, plantain can quickly crowd out more desirable plants.

The easiest way to deal with plantain is to pull it out by hand or apply a post-emergent herbicide specifically designed for broadleaf weeds. Keeping your garden beds mulched can also prevent plantain seeds from taking root, giving you one less weed to worry about.

Red-Root Pigweed

Red-root pigweed is more than just an eyesore in gardens and agricultural fields—it’s a fierce competitor that can outpace crops and lead to significant losses. Known for its ability to produce tens of thousands of seeds from a single plant, this weed is a major challenge in sunny, open areas.

If you catch it early, removing pigweed by hoeing or hand-pulling can be effective. To minimize its spread, mow early in the season before it has a chance to set seed. Keeping this prolific seed producer under control can save you a lot of trouble in managing your garden or farm.

Nettle

Nettle can be a real pain—literally. This broadleaf perennial can grow up to 6 feet tall and sports leaves with sawtooth edges, not to mention the infamous stinging hairs that can leave you itching. Found in garden areas where the soil is rich and moist, nettle isn’t just an annoyance; it can take over if not managed properly.

The best way to keep it at bay is by using a thick layer of mulch to stifle its growth. If nettles have already established themselves, you’ll need to dig them out carefully or use a targeted herbicide.

Always wear gloves when handling nettle to protect your skin from those irritating stings.

Poison Ivy

As beautiful as it is dangerous, poison ivy is a master of disguise, appearing as a vine, shrub, or even groundcover. This broadleaf perennial can grow up to an impressive 15 feet and is notorious for its trio of leaflets and clusters of green berries. It thrives in both sunny and shady spots, making it a common but unwelcome guest in many landscapes.

To manage poison ivy, start with preventive mulching. If it’s already present, handle it with extreme care. Use an herbicide for spot treatments or use the plastic bag technique to remove it safely: cover your hand with the bag, pull the plant by the roots, then invert the bag, seal it, and dispose of it properly.

Be mindful of the plant’s oils, which can cause severe allergic reactions through touch or even airborne exposure if the plant is burned.

Always avoid burning poison ivy, as the oils can spread and exacerbate the hazard.

Crabgrass

Dealing with crabgrass can feel like a never-ending battle in your garden. This aggressive weed sprawls across your lawn with stems that stretch out horizontally rather than reaching for the sky. To keep it in check, mow your lawn regularly and maintain a good height—crabgrass loves sunlight and struggles in the shade.

The key to controlling this pesky plant is all about timing. Use pre-emergent herbicides when the soil temperature consistently hits 55 degrees, and tackle it with post-emergent treatments when you see two to five leaves per plant.

For those larger, stubborn patches, consider mulching heavily or even burning them, if it’s safe to do so. Remember, consistency is your friend here, as crabgrass seeds are notoriously durable.

Sandbur

Dealing with sandbur can feel like an uphill battle, especially if you’ve ever had the misfortune of its spiny burs digging into your foot -ouch. This grassy annual masquerades as regular grass early in the year, only to reveal its true, troublesome nature as it matures. It flourishes in dry, sandy soils—hence the name—but don’t be fooled, it can grow almost anywhere.

To manage sandbur, consider using targeted herbicides like Celsius WG for warm-season lawns or Eraser 41% Glyphosate for cooler climates and non-grass areas. For areas like golf courses or sod farms, MSMA Target 6 Plus Herbicide is often used by professionals.

To keep sandbur from coming back, maintain a rigorous lawn care routine and apply pre-emergent herbicides like Dimension 2EW to stop new seeds from germinating.

Henbit

Henbit might not look menacing with its delicate purple flowers and softly scalloped leaves, but don’t let its appearance fool you. This broadleaf annual can quickly take over lawns and gardens, reaching up to a foot in height and width. It thrives just about anywhere, from full sun to shade, making it a versatile adversary.

The best defense against henbit is a good layer of mulch in your garden beds to block its growth. In lawns, consider a pre-emergent herbicide in the spring to stop it before it starts, or pull the plants by hand. If henbit has already made a home in your yard, treating it with a broadleaf herbicide can help reclaim your space.

Common Ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia)

You might blame the goldenrod for your late-summer sniffles, but common ragweed is the real troublemaker. This pesky plant can tower up to six feet if left unchecked and its seeds linger in the soil for ages, just waiting to sprout.

When you spot ragweed taking over a small area, the best approach is a simple one: yank them out or slice them down with a hoe.

For more persistent patches, regular mowing can keep ragweed at bay, and early-season hoeing of seedlings is also effective, keeping those allergy-inducing flowers from ever appearing.

Clover

Clover might be pretty with its white flowers and signature leaves, but it’s still a weed that can crowd out your lawn. It thrives in cool, damp environments and loves rich, silty soil. The key to keeping clover from taking over is maintaining a healthy, dense lawn that leaves no room for invaders.

If clover has already established itself, pulling it out by hand is usually your best bet. Although, you might want to reconsider entirely removing clover—it’s actually beneficial for your lawn, promoting soil health and attracting beneficial insects.

Canada Thistle

Canada thistle is a stubborn invader that can grow up to 5 feet tall. It’s easy to spot with its toothy leaves and charming lavender or pink flowers.

Unfortunately, it’s not just pretty—it’s persistent, with deep roots that make it a challenge to control. You’ll often find it in less manicured areas like ditches and pastures, but it doesn’t shy away from gardens either.

Don’t try to pull this weed, as it can lead to even more growth. Instead, start a treatment plan as soon as you spot it to gradually diminish its presence over several seasons.