Knowing the types of weeds that commonly grow on your lawn is the first step to keeping your property free from unsightly growth. There are five weeds that are most common on lawns in Waukee, IA - dandelions, crabgrass, clover, creeping Charlie, and wild violet.

Dandelions are easily identifiable with their bright, yellow flowers that eventually turn into fluffy, white balls. Meanwhile, crabgrass is notorious for forming thick patches of leaves that can easily spread through seeds. Clover forms dense clusters and has three leaflets per stem. Creeping Charlie, also known as ground ivy, can be identified by its distinctive oval-shaped leaves with scalloped margins. Finally, wild violets are characterized by their heart-shaped leaves and delicate, funnel-shaped flowers. By being familiar with these weeds, you can more easily identify them on your lawn and take the necessary steps to keep them at bay.

1. Dandelions

Several yellow dandelions growing on a lawn.

Dandelions are one of the most recognizable weeds that commonly pop up on lawns here in Waukee, IA. They are perennial weeds that form bright, golden-yellow flowers and have leaves with toothed edges. As the flowers get older, they turn into fluffy balls that can fly away with the wind and help the plant spread its seeds.

Dandelions grow best during spring and summer when it's warm and dry, but they can also grow during cooler times of the year. They need a lot of sun and water to make their yellow flowers, which is why they can take over lawns and other places where other plants can't grow as well.

Dandelions are actually edible and are often added to garden salads!

2. Crabgrass

Crabgrass growing on lawn in Waukee, IA.

Crabgrass is another common type of weed found in Waukee, IA. This annual weed matures in late spring or early summer, emerging as clumps of flat, slender leaves growing upright from the soil surface. As it matures, crabgrass develops tall, reddish-brown stems topped by clusters of tiny, inconspicuous flowers. The flowering heads of crabgrass can range anywhere from pale tan to brownish-purple in color, depending on environmental conditions. This weed thrives in areas with lots of sunlight and poor soil quality.

3. Clover

White clover found in Waukee, IA.

Clover is a perennial plant commonly found on lawns due to its ability to adapt to a wide range of soil and climate conditions. In Waukee, IA, white clover is one of the species that frequently grows on lawns. Clover plants have three leaves arranged oppositely along the stems, and each leaflet is oval-shaped with a distinct "V" shape. When in bloom, you'll notice small, white flowers.

4. Creeping Charlie

A common weed found in Waukee, IA, is creeping Charlie.

Creeping Charlie is an aggressive, mat-forming perennial weed that goes by various names, including ground ivy. During warmer weather, creeping Charlie produces small, purplish-blue flowers atop short stalks. Creeping Charlie spreads primarily through its extensive root system, which allows it to quickly colonize new areas. This weed is especially problematic on poorly maintained lawns or those lacking adequate sunlight exposure. Creeping Charlie can tolerate both shade and partial sun, making it more difficult to eradicate than some other weeds in Waukee, IA.

5. Wild Violet

Wild violet on lawn in Waukee, IA.

Wild violet is a perennial weed that emerges in late winter or early spring. This weed features rounded, heart-shaped leaves with pointed tips and smooth margins. In addition to its distinctive foliage, wild violets produce small, funnel-shaped flowers ranging in color from lavender-pink to deep purple.

Wild violet is native to Waukee, IA, and other places in North America. It prefers moist environments and can survive in full sun or partial shade. Wild violets have fibrous root systems and tend to spread rapidly via their abundant seed production and rhizomes. Because of this, they can become quite invasive and difficult to manage if left unattended.

Call us today to schedule our weed control service!

With so many different types of weeds in Waukee, IA, it can be difficult to stay on top of your lawn care. However, when you schedule with our team here at Brilliant Borders Landscaping, it won't be! We offer a 7-step weed control program that includes pre- and post-emergent treatments to manage dandelions, crabgrass, creeping Charlie, clover, wild violet, and other nuisance weeds. Additionally, it comes with fertilization and grub control! By scheduling our weed control program, your grass will become dense, green, beautiful, and, most importantly, weed-free!

Our weed control service is available to homeowners and business owners in Waukee, IA, and nearby locations, such as Urbandale and Ankeny. Call (515) 664-6205 to schedule our service today!