{"id":93403,"date":"2026-08-06T18:05:42","date_gmt":"2026-08-06T21:05:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/?p=93403"},"modified":"2026-08-06T18:05:42","modified_gmt":"2026-08-06T21:05:42","slug":"common-weeds-pennsylvania","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/pennsylvania\/common-weeds-pennsylvania\/","title":{"rendered":"11 Common Lawn Weeds in Pennsylvania: How To Identify and Control Them"},"content":{"rendered":"<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes has-medium-font-size\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th><strong>Key Takeaways<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>\u2022 <strong>Best defense:<\/strong> A thick, healthy lawn maintained at 3 inches tall.<br>\u2022 <strong>3 weed categories:<\/strong> Broadleaf, grass-like, and sedge, each requiring different control methods.<br>\u2022 <strong>Correct identification:<\/strong> Herbicides that kill broadleaf weeds will not control sedges such as yellow nutsedge.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pennsylvania lawn weeds are relentless, but manageable. The 11 most common fall into 3 groups: broadleaf weeds such as dandelions, white clover, and ground ivy; grassy weeds such as crabgrass; and sedges such as yellow nutsedge.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A few scattered plants? Hand-pull or dig them out. Once weeds spread across the lawn, you&#8217;ll need herbicides, and getting the timing right matters as much as the product.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This guide profiles all 11 by type so you can identify and treat each one. And if the fight feels one-sided, LawnStarter&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/signup-web.lawnstarter.com\/cart\/contact-info?intent=fertilization\" class=\"underline underline underline-offset-2 decoration-1 decoration-current\/40 hover:decoration-current focus:decoration-current\">lawn treatment pros<\/a> can handle diagnosis, timing, and applications for you.<\/p>   <div class=\"wp-block-ub-table-of-contents-block ub_table-of-contents\" id=\"ub_table-of-contents-def3394b-4058-4f1c-90bf-86de26c609f4\" data-linktodivider=\"false\" data-showtext=\"show\" data-hidetext=\"hide\" data-scrolltype=\"auto\" data-enablesmoothscroll=\"false\" data-initiallyhideonmobile=\"false\" data-initiallyshow=\"true\"><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header\" style=\"text-align: left; \"> \t\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-title\" style=\"\">In this article:<\/div> \t\t\t\t \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-extra-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-container ub_table-of-contents-1-column\"> \t\t\t\t<ul style=\"\"><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/pennsylvania\/common-weeds-pennsylvania\/#0-weed-types-at-a-glance\" style=\"\">Weed Types at a Glance<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/pennsylvania\/common-weeds-pennsylvania\/#1-broadleaf-weeds-\" style=\"\">Broadleaf Weeds<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/pennsylvania\/common-weeds-pennsylvania\/#11-grass-like-weeds\" style=\"\">Grass-Like Weeds<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/pennsylvania\/common-weeds-pennsylvania\/#13-sedge-weeds\" style=\"\">Sedge Weeds<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/pennsylvania\/common-weeds-pennsylvania\/#15-when-to-treat-common-lawn-weeds-in-pennsylvania\" style=\"\">When to Treat Common Lawn Weeds in Pennsylvania<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/pennsylvania\/common-weeds-pennsylvania\/#16-faq\" style=\"\">FAQ<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>   <h2 id=\"0-weed-types-at-a-glance\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Weed Types at a Glance<\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pennsylvania lawns deal with 3 main categories of weeds. Knowing which category a weed belongs to helps you choose the right control method, as herbicides are often category-specific.<\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Weed Type<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Key Visual Trait<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Examples<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Broadleaf<\/td><td>Wide leaves with net-like veins; often have showy flowers.<\/td><td>Dandelions, clover, plantain<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Grass-Like<\/td><td>Looks like turfgrass but grows faster, taller, or in clumps.<\/td><td>Crabgrass<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Sedge<\/td><td>Looks like grass but has a triangular stem (roll it between your fingers).<\/td><td>Yellow nutsedge<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <h2 id=\"1-broadleaf-weeds-\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Broadleaf Weeds <\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Broadleaf weeds have wide, flat leaves with visible veins. They are the most common weed type in Pennsylvania lawns.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Post-emergent broadleaf herbicides target these weeds without harming grass. Fall is generally the best time to apply them.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"2-1-dandelions-taraxacum-sp-\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Dandelions (<em>Taraxacum<\/em> sp<em>.<\/em>)<\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/rsz_dandelions-g65abded2b_1280.jpg\" alt=\"Dandelion Flowers\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Dandelion flowers with bee. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/pixabay.com\/sk\/photos\/p%c3%bapavy-kvety-p%c3%bapava-jar-pr%c3%adroda-5183631\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pixabay<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dandelions have thick taproots that can reach several inches into the soil. An average plant produces around <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.canr.msu.edu\/weeds\/extension\/dandelion\">15,000 seeds<\/a> per season, each carried by a parachute-like pappus. <\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Life cycle:<\/strong> Perennial <\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Where it thrives:<\/strong> Full sun, any soil<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How to identify dandelions:<\/strong> <\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p>Flat yellow flowers in the spring<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Fluffy, white, puffball seed heads<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Jagged tooth-like leaves<\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How to get rid of dandelions: <\/strong>Regular mowing prevents seed heads. Apply pre-emergent herbicides in early spring before germination. Treat with post-emergent herbicides<strong> <\/strong>in late summer or early fall. <\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>See Related:<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-get-rid-of-dandelions\/\">How to Get Rid of Dandelions<\/a><\/li>    <li><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/when-to-apply-pre-emergent-herbicide\/\">When to Apply Pre-Emergent Herbicide (Spring &amp; Fall Guide)<\/a><\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <h3 id=\"3-2-white-clover-trifolium-repens-l-\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. White Clover (<em>Trifolium repens L.<\/em>)<\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.wikilawn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/White-Clover.jpg\" alt=\"large number of white clovers in a garden\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Large number of white clovers in a garden. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:White_Clover_%2849194791437%29.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Lawn Weeds<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/2.0\/deed.en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to Penn State Extension, white clover is possibly the <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/extension.psu.edu\/lawn-and-turfgrass-weeds-white-clover\">most common weed in home lawns<\/a>. Because it makes its own nitrogen, clover thrives in under-fertilized lawns, so spreading patches are often a sign your grass needs feeding.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Life cycle: <\/strong>Perennial<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Where it thrives:<\/strong> Full sun, well-drained soil, soil pH 6 to 7<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How to identify clover: <\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p>3 oval leaflets with a white inverted V-shape watermark<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Globs of tiny white flowers <\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How to get rid of white clover:&nbsp;<\/strong>Maintain a thick lawn with regular fertilization. Fall herbicide applications are most effective.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>See Related:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-get-rid-clover-not-kill-grass\/\">How to Get Rid of Clover and Not Kill Grass<\/a><\/p>    <h3 id=\"4-3-ground-ivy-glechoma-hederacea-\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Ground Ivy (<em>Glechoma hederacea<\/em>)<\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.wikilawn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Ground-Ivy-Glechoma-Hederacea.jpg\" alt=\"Puple COlor ground ivy Flower\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Purple ground ivy flower. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/99758165@N06\/18871815551\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">NY State IPM Program<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/2.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Penn State Extension calls ground ivy a <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/extension.psu.edu\/lawn-and-turfgrass-weeds-ground-ivy-glechoma-hederacea-l\">common and aggressive weed<\/a> of Pennsylvania lawns, and a difficult one to control. It takes hold in shaded areas first, where grass is thinner, then creeps into sunny turf through its stolons. <\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Life cycle:<\/strong> Perennial <\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Where it thrives:<\/strong> Shade<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How to identify ground ivy: <\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p>Evergreen, heart-shaped leaves<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Bluish-violet to lavender tubular flowers in clusters of 2 or more<\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How to get rid of ground ivy:<\/strong> Mow to 3 inches and fertilize adequately. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/applying-post-emergent-herbicides-to-your-lawn\/\">Apply a post-emergent<\/a> twice yearly: spring (March\u2013May) and late fall (Sept\u2013Nov). <\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In heavily shaded spots, replacing turf with a shade-tolerant ground cover such as pachysandra or periwinkle can help slow its spread.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>See Related:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/best-ground-covers-for-shade\/\" rel=\"bookmark\" class=\"text0-black visited:text-black\">11 of the Best Ground Covers for Shade<\/a><\/p>    <h3 id=\"5-4-broadleaf-plantain-plantago-major-\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Broadleaf Plantain (<em>Plantago major<\/em>)<\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.wikilawn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Broadleaf-Plantain.jpg\" alt=\"Broadleaf Plantain weed in lawn\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Broadleaf plantain weed in lawn. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/137246163@N04\/23751508350\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Simon<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/2.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Broadleaf plantain tolerates compacted soil well, so you&#8217;ll find it in high-traffic lawns, on and near pathways, and in garden beds with heavy, clay soil. One plant can produce around 14,000 seeds annually.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Life cycle:<\/strong> Perennial<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Where it thrives:<\/strong> Sun or shade; compacted, soggy soil<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How to identify broadleaf plantain<\/strong>: <\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p>Dark green, oval-shaped leaves with 3 to 5 parallel veins<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Tiny flowers on tall spikes<\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How to get rid of broadleaf plantain:<\/strong>&nbsp;Pull by hand when soil is moist. Apply pre-emergent to prevent new seedlings or spot-treat with broadleaf post-emergent.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>See Related:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/reviews\/best-pre-emergent-herbicides\/\" rel=\"bookmark\" class=\"text0-black visited:text-black\">7 Best Pre-Emergent Herbicides for Lawns<\/a><\/p>    <h3 id=\"6-5-black-medic-medicago-lupulina-l-\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Black Medic (<em>Medicago lupulina L.<\/em>)<\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.wikilawn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Black-Medic-Medicago-Lupulina.jpg\" alt=\"Small black medic weed with yellow flowers\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Small black medic weed with yellow flowers. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/185800778@N06\/49188713647\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Lawn Weeds<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/2.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Like white clover, black medic is a legume that fixes its own nitrogen, so it holds on in soil too poor to support dense grass. Penn State Extension mentions it in <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/extension.psu.edu\/lawn-and-turfgrass-weeds-black-medic-medicago-lupulina-l\">dry, marginal soils<\/a> where grass is sparse and poorly fertilized. <\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Life cycle:<\/strong> Annual <\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Where it thrives:<\/strong> Full sun, dry, low-nitrogen soil<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How to identify black medic: <\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p>Leaves with 3 oval leaflets<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Yellow flower clusters <\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Stems that spread flat from a central crown <\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How to get rid of black medic:<\/strong> Nitrogen fertilization, regular mowing, and a grass suited to the site build the density that crowds out black medic.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For existing patches, apply a post-emergent when plants are small and actively growing. <\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>See Related:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/different-nitrogen-sources-for-the-lawn\/\" rel=\"bookmark\" class=\"text0-black visited:text-black\">6 Different Nitrogen Sources for the Lawn<\/a><\/p>    <h3 id=\"7-6-yellow-woodsorrel-oxalis-stricta-\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. Yellow Woodsorrel (<em>Oxalis stricta<\/em>)<\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.wikilawn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Common-Yellow-Woodsorrel-Oxalis-Stricta.jpg\" alt=\"Yellow woodsorrel with yellow flowers and triple heart-shaped, clover-like leaves.\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Yellow woodsorrel with yellow flowers and triple heart-shaped, clover-like leaves. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Oxalis_stricta_yellow_wood_sorrel.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Dcrjsr<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/3.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY 3.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yellow woodsorrel grows often along sidewalks and flower bed edges, and it usually appears as scattered plants or <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/extension.psu.edu\/lawn-and-turfgrass-weeds-yellow-woodsorrel-oxalis-stricta-l\">small patches in turf.<\/a> It is also not fussy about where it lands: sun or shade, moist or dry soil, a well-kept lawn or a neglected one.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Life cycle:<\/strong> Annual and perennial <\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Where it thrives:<\/strong> Sun or shade, any type of soil<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How to identify yellow woodsorrel: <\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p>Leaves fold shut at night and open again in daylight<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Yellow 5-petal flowers<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Slim okra-like seed capsules split when ripe<\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How to get rid of yellow woodsorrel:<\/strong> Grow a dense lawn using a grass variety suited to Pennsylvania&#8217;s climate. Dig out all rhizomes before flowering.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Treat infested areas with pre-emergents in early spring. Use post-emergents on sprouted plants from late spring through fall.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>See Related:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/pennsylvania\/best-grass-seed-pennsylvania\/\" rel=\"bookmark\" class=\"text0-black visited:text-black\">Best Grass Seed for Pennsylvania<\/a><\/p>    <h3 id=\"8-7-bull-thistle-cirsium-vulgare-\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">7. Bull Thistle (<em>Cirsium vulgare<\/em>)<\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.wikilawn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Bull-Thistle.jpg\" alt=\"Bull thistle with purple flowers.\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Bull thistle with purple flowers. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/127605180@N04\/16358844318\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Jim Morefield<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/2.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bull thistle is a <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pa.gov\/agencies\/pda\/plants-land-water\/plant-industry\/noxious-weeds-and-controlled-plants\/controlled-plant-noxious-weed-lists\">Class B noxious weed <\/a>in Pennsylvania (illegal to sell, plant, or move around the state). You&#8217;ll find it statewide, mostly in fields, meadows, and along roadsides. It blooms from June through October and spreads in only one way: by seed.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Life cycle:<\/strong> Biennial <\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Where it thrives:<\/strong> Full sun, nitrogen-rich soil<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How to identify bull thistle: <\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p>Big and mean-looking, 2 to 6 feet tall<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Spiny &#8220;wings&#8221; all the way up the stem <\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Reddish-purple flowers about the size of a golf ball<\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How to get rid of bull thistle:<\/strong> Dig or pull the rosettes, or mow twice a season before the flower heads open. If you&#8217;re spraying, go after the rosette in spring or fall with a broadleaf herbicide.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"9-8-spotted-spurge-chamaesyce-maculata-l-\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">8. Spotted Spurge (<em>Chamaesyce maculata L.<\/em>)<\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Spotted-Spurge.jpg\" alt=\"closeup image of spotted spurge\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Spotted spurge. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/cricketsblog\/51559716423\/in\/photolist-2mya2nZ-2zYXix-cJWPAQ-2cPmnoD-cJWPo5-63dY7K-63dYaV-2kHPN7u-63dY5t-63ie3N-63idMs-2kHQeBP-2n18PwH-WzdL3R-WjfyFL-VkD2RM-WjfynE-WvCwVL-VkDtER-Krgq65-KWSLPS-2kHPLKg-2kHL6A2-c3FN1N-VhYL4y-WvCqsW-a9nheL-VkD3vc-VYTHCY-WvCnko-WjfDbY-WjfBwW-Wzebd4-Wze3Gx-WnxcSP-WjfPD1-VYTJ47-WvCt23-WzeaEa-WvCypY-VkDoTM-WvCsHs-WjfPcj-Wze1Uz-WvChzG-VYTJnJ-WvCvAG-Wze2gM-WjfAyJ-Wnx8zR\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Melissa McMasters<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/2.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Spotted spurge moves into thin, compacted, or bald spots where the grass has given up. You&#8217;ll see it sprawling across sidewalk cracks, driveways, and stressed-out lawns all summer. Its milky sap can irritate skin, so wear gloves when you pull it.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Life cycle:<\/strong> Summer annual<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Where it thrives:<\/strong> Full sun or partial shade, poor, compacted soil<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How to identify spotted spurge: <\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p>Spreads out from one central point, like a mat <\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Red, fuzzy stems <\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Small oval leaves, each with a reddish spot in the middle<\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How to get rid of spotted spurge:<\/strong> Hand-pull or hoe before seed production. Apply pre-emergent before soil exceeds 60 degrees. Mulch to prevent germination.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>See Related:<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/types-of-mulch\/\">Types of Mulch: How to Choose the Right One for Your Landscape<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-get-rid-of-spurge-weed\/\">How to Get Rid of Spurge Weed in 3 Easy Steps<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>    <h3 id=\"10-9-dead-nettle-lamium-purpureum-l-\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">9. Dead Nettle (<em>Lamium purpureum L.<\/em>)<\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/rsz_lamium-purpureum-846425_1280.jpg\" alt=\"Spotted deadnettle looks like little trees sprouting with tall thin trunks and a canopy of purplish green flowers.\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Dead nettle with purplish flowers. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.needpix.com\/photo\/download\/411306\/lamium-purpureum-red-deadnettle-purple-deadnettle-purple-archangel-velikdenche-wildflower-flora-botany-species\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Needpix<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dead nettle is that carpet of purple you see taking over Pennsylvania lawns, fields, and roadsides <a href=\"https:\/\/extension.psu.edu\/lawn-and-turfgrass-weeds-dead-nettle\" target=\"_blank\">in early spring<\/a>. It&#8217;s a mint, not a true nettle, so despite the name, it won&#8217;t sting you.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Life cycle:<\/strong> Winter annual <\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Where it thrives:<\/strong> Sun to moderate shade, moist soils<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How to identify dead nettle: <\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p>Square stems <\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Fuzzy leaves with reddish-purple tops<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Small pink tubular flowers<\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How to get rid of dead nettle:<\/strong>&nbsp;Pull while young. Mow at 2 to 3 inches in early spring to remove flower stems. Apply pre-emergents in fall or post-emergents in spring.<\/p>    <h2 id=\"11-grass-like-weeds\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Grass-Like Weeds<\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Grass-like weeds look like your lawn but grow faster, taller, or in visible clumps. Look for a lighter green color, coarser texture, or patches that outgrow the rest of your lawn between mowings.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"12-10-crabgrass-digitaria-\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">10. Crabgrass (<em>Digitaria<\/em>)<\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Large-crabgrass.jpg\" alt=\"Large crabgrass\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Large crabgrass. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/99758165@N06\/18217952904\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">NY State IPM Program at Cornell University<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/2.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Crabgrass is Pennsylvania&#8217;s number-one lawn weed complaint. It grows in clumps and can reach 2 feet if you never mow it. Pennsylvania has 2 kinds: large (hairy) crabgrass and smooth crabgrass.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Life cycle:<\/strong> Annual (summer) <\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Where it thrives:<\/strong> Full sun, thinned-out lawns<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How to identify crabgrass:<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p>Lime-green against darker turf<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Stems radiate out from center in a star or wheel<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Grows in clumps in the thin, sunny spots<br><\/p><\/li>    <li><strong>How to get rid of crabgrass:<\/strong>\u00a0The best defense is to thicken your lawn with regular fertilization and 3-inch mowing.<\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Apply pre-emergent in spring <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/extension.psu.edu\/lawn-and-turfgrass-weeds-smooth-crabgrass-and-large-crabgrass\">before soil reaches<\/a> 55 to 58 degrees. That means: March 15 to April 15 in southeastern Pennsylvania, April 20 to May 10 in the northern tier and high-altitude counties, and April 1 to May 1 in  other Pennsylvania areas.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Spot-spray existing crabgrass with post-emergent herbicides in early summer.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>See Related:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-get-rid-of-crabgrass\/\">How to Get Rid of Crabgrass in Your Yard<\/a><\/p>    <h2 id=\"13-sedge-weeds\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sedge Weeds<\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sedge weeds look almost identical to lawn grass until you roll the stem between your fingers. If the stem has 3 edges (triangular), it&#8217;s a sedge.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Broadleaf or grass herbicides will not kill sedges. You need a sedge-specific product.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"14-11-yellow-nutsedge-cyperus-esculentus-\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">11. Yellow Nutsedge (<em>Cyperus esculentus<\/em>)<\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/18217359824_d0f952ffc6_c.jpg\" alt=\"Nutsedge\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Nutsedge. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/flic.kr\/p\/tKNJoL\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">NY State IPM Program at Cornell University<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/2.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In a Pennsylvania summer, yellow nutsedge is the weed that outruns your lawn, shooting up faster and greener than your cool-season grass in the heat. It spreads by tubers, which is why yanking it barely helps. Every tuber left behind sprouts a fresh plant.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Life cycle:<\/strong> Perennial <\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Where it thrives:<\/strong> Full sun, moist, poorly drained soil<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How to identify yellow nutsedge: <\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p>Yellow-green blades, glossier and stiffer than turfgrass<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Seed heads like little bottle brushes in summer<\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How to get rid of yellow nutsedge:<\/strong>&nbsp;Hand-pull early if the patch is small. Standard broadleaf or grass herbicides won&#8217;t <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-control-nutsedge\/\">control nutsedge<\/a>. Use sedge-specific products in late spring or early summer during active growth.<\/p>    <h2 id=\"15-when-to-treat-common-lawn-weeds-in-pennsylvania\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">When to Treat Common Lawn Weeds in Pennsylvania<\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Miss the treatment window and even the right herbicide won&#8217;t work. Here&#8217;s when to apply each type in Pennsylvania:<\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Application Timing<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Soil Temperature<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Typical Months in PA<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Spring (pre-emergent)<\/td><td>50 to 55 degrees<\/td><td>Late February \u2013 April<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Summer (post-emergent)<\/td><td>Active growth period<\/td><td>Late May \u2013 July<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Fall (broadleaf post-emergent)<\/td><td>Cooling toward 70 degrees<\/td><td>Late August \u2013 September<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Late spring to early summer:<\/strong> Treat sedges like yellow nutsedge with targeted post-emergent herbicides once they actively grow and emerge above your turfgrass.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Fall control:<\/strong> Fall is the best time to apply post-emergent broadleaf herbicides.&nbsp;Weeds like dandelions and clover are storing nutrients for winter and will pull the herbicide deep into their taproots.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">See Related: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/pennsylvania\/lawn-care-schedule-pa\/\">Month-to-Month Lawn Care Schedule for Pennsylvania Homeowners<\/a><\/p>    <h2 id=\"16-faq\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">FAQ<\/h2>    <div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-17851399589235899\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What Do Lawn Weeds Say About My Soil?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/read-your-weeds-identifying-weeds-lawn-health\/\">Weeds can help identify<\/a> underlying soil conditions:<br>\u2022 Dandelions: Compacted soil<br>\u2022 White clover: Compacted soil or low nitrogen<br>\u2022 Crabgrass: Low-fertility soil, drought-stressed lawn<br>\u2022 Chickweed or yellow nutsedge: wet, poorly drained soil<br><br>A <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/extension.psu.edu\/programs\/master-gardener\/counties\/washington\/soil-tests?gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=23379273794&amp;gbraid=0AAAAAD3XkJPOEmczvSfHDkUW4gQ4pL4to&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjwmozTBhAeEiwAkEGZzlkThUHhpOYHMBLgMCkQZIs2hAm4CCvdjKYUqlXfiKsKbzueVWXO9BoCSScQAvD_BwE\">soil test<\/a> through Penn State Extension can confirm what your weeds are signaling.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-17851399589237853\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Will the Same Weeds Come Back Next Year?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Usually, yes, but for different reasons. Annuals like crabgrass die off each fall yet drop thousands of seeds that sprout the next spring. Perennials like dandelions and ground ivy skip the seed step and just regrow from their roots.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-17851399589231134\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Are Any Common Pennsylvania Lawn Weeds Also Native Plants?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Yes. Common yellow woodsorrel is native to Pennsylvania and frequently appears in lawns. While it is technically a wildflower, it spreads aggressively through rhizomes and seed capsules.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>    <h2 id=\"17-when-to-call-the-pros\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">When to Call the Pros<\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Lawn weeds in Pennsylvania are persistent, but you don&#8217;t have to fight them alone. LawnStarter connects you with local <a href=\"https:\/\/signup-web.lawnstarter.com\/cart\/contact-info?intent=fertilization\">lawn treatment pros<\/a> who know which weeds are invading your yard and how to get rid of them.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most LawnStarter customers pay <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawnstarter\/lawnstarter-fertilization-weed-control\/\">$79 to $120 per visit<\/a> for a seasonal weed control plan. It includes pre-emergent applications, post-emergent treatments, and fertilization timed for Pennsylvania&#8217;s climate through treatment services.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Read More:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/pennsylvania\/native-plants-pa\/\" rel=\"bookmark\" class=\"text0-black visited:text-black\">22 Pennsylvania Native Plants<\/a><\/p><\/li>    <li><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/pennsylvania\/best-time-to-plant-grass-seed-pa\/\" rel=\"bookmark\" class=\"text0-black visited:text-black\">The Best Time to Plant Grass Seed in Pennsylvania<\/a><\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"color: rgb(23, 28, 36);\">Main Image<\/span>: Delicate purple ground ivy flowers bloom among green leaves and grass. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/pixabay.com\/de\/photos\/gundermann-blume-bl%C3%BCte-pflanze-116261\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Hans<\/a> \/ Pixabay<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Discover these 11 most common lawn weeds in Pennsylvania as well as how to identify and control them.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":161,"featured_media":93440,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[541],"tags":[1497],"class_list":["post-93403","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-pennsylvania","tag-pennsylvania"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Ground-Ivy.jpg?wsr","author_info":{"display_name":"Harley Grandone","author_link":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/author\/harley-grandone\/"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is 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After 20+ years of being a landscape designer, she\u2019s delighted to be able to combine her love of writing with her industry experience.\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/author\\\/harley-grandone\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/pennsylvania\\\/common-weeds-pennsylvania\\\/#faq-question-17851399589235899\",\"position\":1,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/pennsylvania\\\/common-weeds-pennsylvania\\\/#faq-question-17851399589235899\",\"name\":\"What Do Lawn Weeds Say About My Soil?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"<a href=\\\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/lawn-care-2\\\/read-your-weeds-identifying-weeds-lawn-health\\\/\\\">Weeds can help identify<\\\/a> underlying soil conditions:<br>\u2022 Dandelions: Compacted soil<br>\u2022 White clover: Compacted soil or low nitrogen<br>\u2022 Crabgrass: Low-fertility soil, drought-stressed lawn<br>\u2022 Chickweed or yellow nutsedge: wet, poorly drained soil<br><br>A <a target=\\\"_blank\\\" href=\\\"https:\\\/\\\/extension.psu.edu\\\/programs\\\/master-gardener\\\/counties\\\/washington\\\/soil-tests?gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=23379273794&amp;gbraid=0AAAAAD3XkJPOEmczvSfHDkUW4gQ4pL4to&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjwmozTBhAeEiwAkEGZzlkThUHhpOYHMBLgMCkQZIs2hAm4CCvdjKYUqlXfiKsKbzueVWXO9BoCSScQAvD_BwE\\\">soil test<\\\/a> through Penn State Extension can confirm what your weeds are signaling.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/pennsylvania\\\/common-weeds-pennsylvania\\\/#faq-question-17851399589237853\",\"position\":2,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/pennsylvania\\\/common-weeds-pennsylvania\\\/#faq-question-17851399589237853\",\"name\":\"Will the Same Weeds Come Back Next Year?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Usually, yes, but for different reasons. 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