Lawns in Texas are plagued with two types of weeds: annual and perennial weeds. Annual weeds complete their life cycle in one year, rapidly germinating, growing, and producing seeds within a single season. Examples include crabgrass and chickweed. Although they have shallow roots and are easier to remove, their prolific seed production makes them persistent. Perennial weeds, such as dandelions and clover, live for multiple years, characterized by their robust root systems that allow regrowth even after being damaged. Controlling both types effectively requires a weed control program that employs pre-emergent herbicides to prevent germination and post-emergent herbicides to target existing weeds, ensuring a comprehensive approach to management.

What are annual weeds?

White flowers of a chickweed on a lawn in Austin, TX.

Annual weeds are plants that complete their life cycle in one year. They germinate, grow, flower, produce seeds, and die within a single growing season. These weeds can be either summer or winter annuals, depending on when they germinate and grow. Some common examples of annual weeds include crabgrass, chickweed, and henbit.

Annual weeds are prolific seed producers, which means they can quickly take over your lawn if not controlled. They tend to have shallow root systems and are often easier to remove than perennial weeds. However, their ability to produce large quantities of seeds makes them a persistent problem.

What are perennial weeds?

Lawn in Austin, TX, with thistle weed.

Perennial weeds are a type of plant that persists in your lawn year after year, often living for more than two years. They are characterized by their robust root systems, which enable them to survive harsh conditions like drought or cold temperatures. This resilience allows them to regrow annually, even if the above-ground portion of the plant is damaged or removed. Common examples include dandelions, clover, and thistle, each possessing unique adaptations that make them hardy and prolific.

Controlling perennial weeds can be particularly challenging due to their ability to regenerate from their roots. Even after cutting or pulling, these weeds can quickly return if any root fragments remain in the soil. Many spread through underground stems called rhizomes, allowing them to establish extensive networks beneath the surface. This growth habit makes complete eradication difficult, necessitating persistent and targeted efforts to manage them effectively. Understanding their growth patterns and applying the right control measures is essential for gardeners and landscapers looking to keep these persistent invaders at bay.

Many perennial weeds spread through underground stems called rhizomes.

What's the best way to control annual and perennial weeds on your lawn?

Weed control treatment on a dandelion in Austin, TX.

The most effective way to control both annual and perennial weeds is to enroll in a weed control program. These programs typically include multiple applications of pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicides throughout the year.

  • Pre-emergent herbicides are applied before weeds germinate and work by creating a barrier in the soil that prevents newly germinated weeds from emerging on your turf. This is especially effective for controlling annual weeds, as it stops them from growing in the first place.
  • Post-emergent herbicides are applied after weeds have already emerged and work by targeting the weeds directly. These are effective for controlling both annual and perennial weeds, as they can kill existing weeds and prevent them from spreading further.

Tackle weed growth on your lawn with our weed control service—call us to enroll!

Don't let weeds take over your lawn! At Dr. Tex Lawn & Pest, we offer a comprehensive weed control service to keep your lawn healthy and weed-free. This service includes multiple applications of pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicides throughout the year to target both annual and perennial weeds, such as clover, dallisgrass, thistle, dandelions, and more. Our lawn care program also includes fertilizer treatments to ensure your grass gets the nutrients it needs to grow strong and vibrant.

We offer our services to residential and commercial properties, as well as HOAs, in Austin, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Pflugerville, and nearby areas in Texas. Call us today at (512) 717-5071 to enroll in our weed control service and tackle pesky weeds on your turf!