Common Grass Weeds in the Atlanta, GA Area – And How to Prevent Them
- Atlanta Pro Landscaping
- 12 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Maintaining a lush, green lawn in Atlanta can be a rewarding challenge—but it’s one that weeds love to take on. Thanks to our warm, humid climate and long growing season, grass weeds thrive in Georgia lawns if left unchecked.
If you’re seeing some unwanted greenery popping up in your yard, here’s a quick guide to the most common grass weeds in the Atlanta area—and what you can do to stop them in their tracks.
Crabgrass
What it looks like: A summer annual with wide blades and a low-growing, sprawling habit.
Why it’s a problem: Crabgrass is aggressive and quickly takes over thin or bare spots in your lawn.
Prevention Tips:
Apply a pre-emergent herbicide in early spring (usually by mid-March in Atlanta).
Keep your lawn thick and healthy—crabgrass loves open space.
Mow your grass at the right height (not too short!).
Dallisgrass
What it looks like: Clump-forming perennial with coarse blades and tall, unsightly seed heads.
Why it’s a problem: It spreads fast and can be difficult to remove once established.
Prevention Tips:
Use post-emergent herbicides labeled for dallisgrass (it often takes multiple applications).
Spot treat early when patches are small.
Aerate and overseed in fall to thicken turf and crowd out future growth.
Nutsedge (a.k.a. Nutgrass)
What it looks like: Bright green, waxy, V-shaped blades that grow faster than your lawn.
Why it’s a problem: It loves wet or poorly-drained areas and spreads by underground tubers.
Prevention Tips:
Improve drainage in your yard to discourage growth.
Pull it early (roots and all) or use a selective herbicide specifically for nutsedge.
Avoid overwatering—nutsedge thrives in soggy conditions.
Annual Bluegrass (Poa Annua)
What it looks like: Small, bright green clumps with fine blades and small white seed heads.
Why it’s a problem: It germinates in fall and sticks around through spring, often dying off and leaving bare spots.
Prevention Tips:
Apply a fall pre-emergent (around mid-September in Atlanta).
Maintain proper mowing and watering habits to reduce stress on your lawn.
Fertilize appropriately to help your turfgrass outcompete weeds.
Goosegrass
What it looks like: Flat, rosette-like growth with tough, wide blades.
Why it’s a problem: It germinates in compacted soil and spreads quickly in summer.
Prevention Tips:
Apply a pre-emergent herbicide before soil temps reach 60°F (usually around March).
Aerate compacted soil to improve turf health.
Mow regularly and don’t let the grass get too short.
General Lawn Care Tips for Weed Prevention in Atlanta
Fertilize smartly: Follow a seasonal fertilizer schedule appropriate for your grass type (Bermuda, Zoysia, Fescue, etc.).
Mow high and often: Taller grass shades out weeds.
Water deeply and infrequently: Encourages strong root systems and discourages shallow-rooted weeds.
Aerate annually: Loosens soil, improves root growth, and boosts overall lawn health.
Weeds are tough, but with the right timing and care, your lawn can win the battle. Atlanta’s climate may favor weed growth, but with pre-emergents, smart lawn practices, and a little vigilance, you can enjoy a healthy, vibrant yard all season long.
Have questions about your specific lawn type or weed problems? Reach out to a local lawn care expert—or drop us a message. We’re here to help your grass stay greener, longer.