Controlling Chickweed, Dallisgrass, and Broadleaf Plantain in Lawns

Common Chickweed (Stellaria media)

Chickweed is a winter annual broadleaf weed that thrives in cool, wet spring conditions and dies in summer heat. Also called starweed or winterweed, it forms dense mats. While used in folk medicine and as bird food, it's primarily a nuisance. Remove by hoeing or hand-pulling, tracing stems to the growing point. Since it's an annual, removing the growing point suffices. Dispose of plants with flowers or seeds. Regular hoeing of seedlings over several seasons reduces germination. For chemical control, apply residual herbicides containing paraquat or diquat before flowering.

Dallisgrass: A Tough Perennial Imposter

Dallisgrass (Paspalum dilatatum) resembles crabgrass but is a perennial with light-green color and long seed heads. It thrives in wet, hot areas, growing in circles from the center. Improve lawn drainage and allow the soil surface to dry between waterings. Apply pre-emergent fertilizers in late spring to prevent seed germination. For established plants, hand-pull ensuring root removal, then reseed with desired grass.

Broadleaf Plantain: Persistent and Tough

Broadleaf plantain (Plantago major) forms dense clumps with oval, ribbed leaves 2–6 inches long. No single method fully controls it. Early, diligent removal of seedlings works. For perennials, repeated digging over several years is needed. Herbicides with 2,4-D or triclopyr help; fall applications are most effective. Repeat treatments target weakened perennials and new seedlings. Pre-emergent crabgrass herbicides don't prevent plantain germination, but isoxaben (a broadleaf pre-emergent) does. Post-emergent broadleaf herbicides (2,4-D, triclopyr, MCPA, mecoprop) control seedlings but struggle with established plants. For established plantain, 2,4-D works best; others only reduce vigor. Overseed killed areas to establish vigorous turf.