Top 10 Winter Weeds in Southeastern NC: How to Identify & Control Them

Understanding Winter Weeds in Southeastern NC

Winter annual broadleaf weeds germinate in the fall or early winter, growing during the warmer periods and going dormant during the coldest months. By spring, these weeds begin to grow rapidly, produce seeds, and then die off as temperatures rise. They often invade thin turf areas, especially where soil moisture is high, making it essential to act early. Pre-emergent herbicides are crucial for prevention, but if you miss that window, post-emergent options can still help. In Southeastern NC, many winter weeds grow low to the ground, making them difficult to control by mowing alone.

The best defense is a thick, healthy lawn. By choosing the right turfgrass varieties, fertilizing, mowing, and watering properly, you can promote dense growth and keep these weeds at bay. If you’re looking for expert lawn care services to assist with your lawn’s health, check out our Lawn & Landscape Maintenance options.

Now, let’s look at the top 10 winter weeds you need to watch for this season.

1. Annual Bluegrass (Poa annua)

• Identification: Light green color, fine-textured leaves, and white seed heads.
• Conditions: Germinates in compacted or moist soils, particularly during cooler weather.
• Control: For pre-emergent treatment, use products like Prodiamine in the fall. Post-emergent control can be achieved with Certainty.

If you need professional help managing lawn treatments for weeds like Annual Bluegrass, visit our Lawn Treatment Services for customized care plans.

2. Henbit (Lamium amplexicaule)

• Identification: Purple-tinged stems, scalloped, hairy leaves, and small purple flowers.
• Conditions: Thrives in cool, moist soil and grows throughout the fall and winter.
• Control: Post-emergent options include Celsius, MSM, Avenue South, and Speed Zone Southern.

For complete weed management, explore our Weed Control Services, designed to tackle tough weeds like Henbit and more.

3. Chickweed (Stellaria media)

• Identification: Small, egg-shaped leaves and tiny white star-shaped flowers that grow in dense mats.
• Conditions: Prefers cool, moist areas and germinates in the fall.
• Control: Use Celsius, MSM, Avenue South, or Speed Zone Southern for effective treatment.

4. Purple Deadnettle (Lamium purpureum)

• Identification: Square stems with triangular, serrated leaves that turn purple at the top. Produces small pink to purple flowers.
• Conditions: Prefers shaded, moist soil, germinating in late fall.
• Control: Avenue South and Speed Zone Southern are excellent post-emergent options.

5. Hairy Bittercress (Cardamine hirsuta)

• Identification: Forms rosettes of rounded leaves with small white flowers. The leaves have fine hairs.
• Conditions: Grows in moist soil, especially in shady spots, during winter.
• Control: Celsius and MSM are highly effective in controlling Hairy Bittercress.

6. Mouse-ear Chickweed (Cerastium vulgatum)

• Identification: Fuzzy, rounded leaves growing in opposite pairs and producing small white flowers.
• Conditions: Thrives in moist, shaded areas and grows throughout the winter.
• Control: Avenue South, Celsius, and Speed Zone Southern work well to control this weed.

7. Common Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)

• Identification: Deeply toothed leaves that form a basal rosette, with bright yellow flowers turning into puffy seed heads.
• Conditions: Prefers thin or weak turf areas and grows in cool-season environments.
• Control: Use Celsius, MSM, Avenue South, or Speed Zone Southern to eliminate dandelions from your lawn.

For expert fertilization services that will help build a strong lawn resistant to weeds like dandelions, check out our Fertilization Services.

8. Carolina Geranium (Geranium carolinianum)

• Identification: Deeply lobed, fuzzy leaves and small pink to purple flowers. Grows in a rosette.
• Conditions: Thrives in compacted, dry soils during the winter.
• Control: For best results, treat with Celsius.

9. Cudweed (Gnaphalium spp.)

• Identification: Spoon-shaped leaves that are green on top and white and fuzzy underneath. It produces small, inconspicuous flowers.
• Conditions: Grows in poorly drained, compacted soil, typically germinating in the fall.
• Control: Use Speed Zone Southern to control cudweed effectively.

10. Lawn Burrweed (Soliva sessilis)

• Identification: Small, deeply lobed leaves with tiny burs that are felt when walked on barefoot. It forms dense patches.
• Conditions: Prefers compacted soils and germinates in the fall, growing through winter.
• Control: Avenue South, Celsius, and Speed Zone Southern are all excellent options for treating Lawn Burrweed.

To ensure your lawn is ready to fend off all these common winter weeds, visit our Lawn Care Services for professional assistance.

How to Prevent Winter Weeds

The best way to control winter weeds is to prevent them from growing in the first place. Applying pre-emergent herbicides like Prodiamine or Specticle Flo in early fall can stop weed seeds from germinating. A thick, healthy lawn will also help crowd out weeds, so be sure to fertilize, mow, and water properly to keep your turf dense. If you want to stay ahead of weeds and have the healthiest lawn possible, explore our full range of Lawn Care Services.

How to Control Winter Weeds

If weeds have already started to grow, don’t worry. There are several post-emergent herbicides that can tackle these invaders. Options like Celsius, MSM, Speed Zone Southern, and Avenue South work well on most of the winter weeds mentioned. Always follow the product instructions to ensure effective control.

Conclusion

Winter weeds are a common problem in Southeastern NC, but with the right approach, they can be kept in check. Identifying these weeds early and applying the right treatments—whether pre-emergent or post-emergent—can make all the difference in maintaining a healthy lawn. By taking action now, you can enjoy a weed-free spring and summer. If you need help with weed control or want to keep your lawn looking its best, contact us today for expert, professional care at Vinedresser Lawn & Landscape.