Weeds are problematic plants that can cause a range of problems for property owners if they infest their lawns. That's because weeds can not only drag down the curb appeal of lawns that are infested with them, but they also steal nutrients and other resources from grass. Here in the Portland, OR, area, there are 5 weeds that commonly invade lawns here: chickweed, dandelions, crabgrass, henbit, and lambsquarters. Continue reading this blog to learn about what these weeds look like, how they spread, and how to deal with them!

1. Chickweed

Chickweed is an annual flowering weed that is part of the Caryophyllaceae family. This weed can be identified by its oval leaflets that have smooth edges and pointed tips that often have small white flowers on them. This type of weed can grow in clusters, and it can spread rather quickly if not dealt with in a timely manner. The best way to deal with this weed is by preventing it from growing in the first place via pre-emergent weed control treatments, although you can use post-emergent treatments to eliminate existing weeds.

2. Dandelions

One of the most common and easily identifiable weeds that is found in the Portland, OR, area is dandelions. These weeds, when mature, can be identified by their white, puffy seed heads. People often pick these weeds and blow on them, as there is a superstition that blowing all of the seeds of it will make wishes come true. However, doing so is not a good idea because when those seeds reach the ground, they can grow and then you'll end up with an even bigger weed problem!

3. Crabgrass

Crabgrass is a low-growing weed that is a member of the Digitaria family. This type of weed has coarse leaves that spread out and often remble the legs of a crab, which is where it gets its name from. Crabgrass spreads by seeds, and a single plant is capable of producing 150,000 seeds! While this type of weed can be eradicated via herbicide treatments, the best way to deal with it is by preventing it from sprouting in the first place with pre-emergent weed control treatments.

4. Henbit

Henbit is a weedy plant that is part of the mint family. This type of weed can be identified by heart-shaped, rounded leaves that usually have scalloped or lobed edges and can often produce reddish-purple flowers. Henbit thrives in shady areas with moist soil and tends to be most problematic during the spring season. By regularly investing in pre-emergent weed control treatments, you can help prevent this weed from spouting on your lawn.

Henbit is edible and can be added to salads and soups.

5. Lambsquarters

Lansquarters is a broadleaf weed that tends to pop up in the summers in Portland, OR. This type of plant has long, thin stems with egg-shaped leaves that are generally a grayish-green color and covered in a white, powdery coating. Lambsquarters can produce tiny flowers that don't have petals, and the flowers are usually also covered in a powdery coating. Post-emergent treatments are effective at eliminating this weed and pre-emergent treatments can prevent it from sprouting in the first place.

Prevent weeds from taking over your lawn by signing up for our weed control service.

If you want to prevent any of these 5 weeds from taking over your lawn, we are the team to call. At J&C Lawn Care, we offer a weed control service that consists of two pre-emergent weed control treatments that will help to prevent these weeds from sprouting on your lawn. We offer our weed control service to property owners in Portland, OR, and throughout the surrounding areas. Give us a call at (971) 284-2035 to schedule this service today!