Summer Grassy Weeds

As the weather starts warming up, you and your family can enjoy spending more time in the yard. But without proper lawn maintenance, you might notice a few unexpected guests showing up to your summer barbeque – grassy weeds. 

The warm and wet summer months create the perfect conditions for a variety of weed species to invade your lawn. This is especially true here on the East Coast, where humid thunderstorms are common. 

You might have also heard them referred to as “summer annuals” or “annual grasses.” This is because of their perennial life cycle. 

The grassy weeds germinate in spring and will grow until the first frost. They produce a large amount of seeds which remain dormant in the winter months, ready to sprout once the temperatures rise again.

Because of this, summer grassy weeds can be very difficult to control. You might pull a couple you see growing from the surface of your lawn, but chances are they have a much deeper root system that allows the weed to return. 

Common Summer Grassy Weeds in Maryland & Virginia

Another factor which makes summer grassy weeds difficult to control is the fact that they appeal almost identical to turf grass. But with practice and a careful eye, you should be able to learn the difference. 

Around Maryland and Virginia, the most common summer grassy weeds we see include:

Nutsedge

This is a light-colored grass that has triangular stems and three rows of leaves. It’s especially a problem in thin areas, wet soil conditions, and lawns that are cut too short. 

You can identify nutsedge by the way it grows faster than the rest of your grass. 

Crabgrass 

This grassy weed is identifiable by the way the stems grow out instead of upward, like a bunch of spindly crab legs. The leaves are also typically lighter and wider than turf. 

You may notice crabgrass appearing in the late spring, particularly in thin and bare areas like the walkway. They are also common in lawns that are cut too short and lawns under stress from heat, humidity, and excessive rain.

Japanese Stiltgrass

This is an invasive species that is similar to crabgrass. 

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, it is one of the most damaging invasive plant species in the United States for the way it disrupts habitats and aggressively outcompetes native species. You can identify it by its wide leaves and sprawling, branching stems. 

It is most often found on properties near wooded areas and is very difficult to control. 

The biological similarities between turf grass and grassy weeds means that attempts to curb the weeds could be potentially dangerous for both. Applying weed control solutions incorrectly could kill all the healthy beautiful grass of your lawn, so be very careful when DIYing your weed control. 

Professional Lawn Care Services in MD & VA

Are you battling summer grassy weeds? Achieve the beautiful, green, and weed-free yard of your dreams with East Coast Lawn!

We offer comprehensive, high-quality lawn care services to residents across Maryland and Virginia! We have been in the business for years, and we know a thing or two about weed control. Take back your yard, and call the professionals at East Coast Lawn today!