Knowledgebase
Invasive weed in lawn #788362
Asked April 28, 2022, 11:47 AM EDT
Chittenden County Vermont
Expert Response
After consulting with weed experts I can provide you with a couple options. It would be easier to identify if we knew what flowers develop but if you wait until then you risk it going to seed yet again. Perhaps you have pictures or a memory of what the flowers look like and will be able to decide based on that.
One option is Erigeron, Fleabane, in the daisy family.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erigeron
Another option is Veronica
https://gobotany.nativeplanttrust.org/species/veronica/agrestis/
Control method resources for Fleabane - https://extension.psu.edu/lawn-and-turfgrass-weeds-annual-or-daisy-fleabane
And control method resources for Veronica - https://extension.usu.edu/pests/ipm/ornamental-pest-guide/weeds/w_persian-speedwell
The suggested control methods seem to sum up your description of what you have been doing and I know you prefer not to do herbicide. Another option for is to start over in a sense. You don't say how large your lawn area is but, if manageable, you could smother the area with cardboard and mulch or even black plastic for much of the season. Then you could replant along with adding some fresh top soil / compost. Finally, I can add a link to a good overall reference to managing weeds in turf.
I wish you well in your work to restore your lawn so you can enjoy it.
Dan, UVM Extension Master Gardener Help Line
Hello Leslie,
Thanks so much for your patience and for sending in additional photos. Unfortunately, we are still unable to positively identify your weed; however, the management options that Dan provided are appropriate. The key is providing the best environment for the species you want -- grass -- to outcompete the species you don't want -- weeds. That means thinking about your turfgrass as your "crop" and providing it with the ideal conditions for it to thrive, including ensuring optimal soil pH and fertility with a soil test; planting the right turf species for your conditions; and that you are managing your grass plants well by "mowing high", proper irrigation/watering, aerated soils, etc.
Here is a resource on natural lawn care that might be of interest: https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/g6749.
Since it sounds like herbicide use is not an option, in addition to the resources Dan shared, here is a good overview of cultural practices to consider to manage weeds in your lawn: https://ag.umass.edu/turf/professional-turf-ipm-guide/weed-management/cultural-practices-for-weed-management
I know how frustrating it is to have unwanted species in your lawn so I'm hoping that the resources we've provided will help.
