Info hub · Lawn care · Updated 2026-10-03
Weeds in your lawn: identify the problem before treating it
What to check first, when hand removal helps, and why new sod needs a different approach.
Identify both the weed and the grass
A broadleaf weed, a sedge, and a grassy weed are different problems. Photograph the whole plant and a close-up of the leaves and seed head. A product that is safe on Bermuda can injure fescue or a newly rooted lawn.
Protect new or stressed sod
Do not put a weed-and-feed on fresh sod. Rooting, moisture, and mowing come first. Any herbicide has to be labeled for the grass, the weed, and the establishment stage. Follow the label instead of guessing a rate.
Fix the opening the weeds are using
Weeds that keep returning often mark thin turf, shade, scalping, compaction, or wet soil. Pulling them does not fix that. Compare the weedy area with a healthier part of the lawn before you buy a treatment.
Common questions
Will new sod prevent every weed?
No. Seeds and old roots can remain in the soil. Preparation and a lawn that actually roots reduce the openings.
Should I fertilize to crowd weeds out?
Only when the grass needs nutrients and is in a growing season. Extra fertilizer can feed the weeds or stress the lawn.