Weed Identification and Control: Picture Guides, Resources, and Strategies

Effective weed control starts with accurate ID. A picture is worth a thousand words—use these trusted photo libraries:

Top Weed ID Websites

• Univ. of Arkansas Weed ID (favorite)
• UGA Turfgrass Weed Management
• Univ. of Minnesota “Is This Plant a Weed?”
• WeedAlert (PBI Gordon) – great germination notes
• Weed ID from Preen – photos + regional maps
• UC Davis Weed Photo Gallery – clear plant-part drawings
• Univ. of Missouri Weed ID – excellent leaf close-ups
• Auburn Univ. Weed Science – field photos, nutgrass ID
• Virginia Tech Weed Index – needs common name
• Weeds of Mississippi – 4-H guide, needs common name

Control Basics

1. Healthy lawn: Dense, properly mowed/fertilized/watered grass outcompetes weeds.
2. Mechanical: Mow at correct height/frequency; hand-pull annuals; remove new weeds early.
3. Chemical: Pre-emergents (prevent germination) applied before soil temps hit 60s (spring) or Sept–Oct (fall). Post-emergents for active weeds. Match product to weed type and turfgrass tolerance. Read the label.

Weed Types

• Broadleaf: Chickweed, henbit, dandelion, spurge, wild onion. Easy to spot.
• Grassy: Crabgrass, dallisgrass, bahiagrass, annual bluegrass. Harder to distinguish.

Recommended Books

• Weeds of Southern Turfgrasses (190 species, color photos)
• Weeds of the South (Bryson & DeFelice)
• Weeds of the Northern U.S. and Canada (Royer & Dickinson)
• Color Atlas of Turfgrass Weeds (Ann Arbor Press)

Common Georgia Weeds (Photos)

Dallisgrass

Bahiagrass

Annual bluegrass

Spurge

Chickweed

Crabgrass

Wild lettuce (left) vs dandelion (right)