Weeds are one of the biggest sources of frustration when it comes to maintaining a healthy, thriving lawn in Virginia—especially here in Northern Virginia. If you’ve been wondering, “What kind of weeds do I have?” or “How do I get rid of these lawn weeds?”, you’re not alone. Many homeowners in Alexandria, Arlington, and Springfield face these same concerns every season.
With thousands of weed species out there, figuring out what’s actually growing in your grass can feel overwhelming. But lawn weed identification is the first—and most important—step in taking back control.
That’s why we’ve put together this quick guide to 9 of the most common lawn weeds in Virginia. These are the persistent invaders we see most often in local lawns. You’ll learn what each weed looks like, when it tends to appear, and why it’s so difficult to get rid of without a targeted approach.
Lifecycle: Winter Annual
Where it shows up: Thin, shaded areas of the lawn
Why it’s frustrating: Spreads quickly and grows in dense mats
Chickweed is a fast-spreading winter annual that's easy to miss at first—but left untreated, it can take over large patches of your lawn. You’ll recognize it by its small white flowers and small, egg-like leaves. It grows low to the ground and thrives in shady, thinner turf areas.
Chickweed typically shows up in late winter or early spring and is one of the earliest weeds we see in Northern Virginia lawns each year.
Lifecycle: Perennial
Where it shows up: Sunny areas of the lawn, especially in early spring
Why it’s frustrating: Produces a huge number of seeds and comes back year after year
Dandelions are one of the most recognizable and persistent lawn weeds in Virginia. Their bright yellow flowers might look innocent, but these weeds grow fast and multiply quickly. You might notice just a few one day—then suddenly find dozens more.
As a perennial weed, dandelions can return year after year if not treated properly. Even when conditions aren’t ideal, their seeds remain viable and can wait for the right moment to take hold. Dandelions typically emerge in the spring, but they can stick around through most of the growing season.
Lifecycle: Perennial
Where it shows up: Sparse areas with low-pH soil
Why it’s frustrating: Spreads quickly and thrives where grass struggles
White clover is a common broadleaf weed in Virginia lawns—especially in areas where the grass is thin or the soil has a lower pH. This low-growing weed produces small white flowers and spreads rapidly across open turf areas, forming patches that crowd out healthy grass.
It’s most noticeable in late spring and early summer but can persist throughout the growing season. If your lawn has bare spots or poor soil health, white clover will gladly take advantage.
Lifecycle: Annual (warm-season)
Where it shows up: Thinned-out, sunny areas of the lawn
Why it’s frustrating: Spreads aggressively and produces thousands of seeds
Crabgrass is one of the most frustrating grassy weeds we see in Northern Virginia lawns. It thrives in thin, weakened turf where it gets full sun, and it grows in thick, unsightly clumps. This opportunistic weed can quickly take over if not treated.
A single crabgrass plant can produce up to 75,000 seeds in one season! It typically begins appearing in late spring and sticks around until the first hard frost in the fall.
Lifecycle: Winter Annual
Where it shows up: Thinning, cool-season turf in early spring
Why it’s frustrating: Grows fast, spreads aggressively, and thrives in weakened lawns
Henbit is a winter annual broadleaf weed and a member of the mint family. It’s easy to identify by its square-shaped green or purplish stems and sparse, fuzzy hairs. In early spring, this weed can shoot up to 12 to 16 inches tall if left unchecked.
Henbit often shows up in thin or bare patches of grass, where it spreads quickly and competes with turfgrass for light and nutrients.
Lifecycle: Winter Annual
Where it shows up: Moist, disturbed soil in late winter or early spring
Why it’s frustrating: Spreads quickly and produces seed heads early
Hairy bittercress is a fast-spreading winter annual that pops up in lawns and landscape beds as early as late winter. It forms a small basal rosette with scalloped leaves and produces delicate white flowers at the ends of thin stems, which can grow 3 to 9 inches tall.
A member of the mustard family, this weed spreads easily by seed—and if left alone, it can quickly establish itself before spring lawn treatments even begin.
Lifecycle: Perennial
Where it shows up: Shady, moist areas of the lawn
Why it’s frustrating: Waxy leaves resist treatment and it spreads underground
Wild violet is a broadleaf perennial weed that often shows up in shady spots throughout Virginia lawns. Its purple flowers may look harmless, but this weed has a strong, resilient root system and can be incredibly difficult to get rid of.
One of the main reasons wild violets are hard to control is their waxy leaf surface, which makes it tough for standard weed control products to stick. Violets can stay in the lawn year-round and often require repeat treatments for effective control.
Lifecycle: Summer Annual
Where it shows up: Thin, sunny areas during hot weather
Why it’s frustrating: Spreads in dense mats and grows low to the ground
Spotted spurge is a fast-growing summer annual broadleaf weed that spreads across lawns in thick, low-lying mats. It’s easy to identify by its reddish spots and the milky sap that leaks when the stem is broken—a telltale sign of this weed.
You’ll typically see spurge start to show up in the heat of summer, and it can stick around until the cooler temperatures of fall. It spreads quickly in stressed or thinning turf and can be tough to spot until it's taken over a large area.
Lifecycle: Perennial
Where it shows up: Compacted, high-traffic areas with poor soil
Why it’s frustrating: Tough root system and waxy leaves make it hard to remove
Broadleaf plantain is a broadleaf perennial weed that thrives in compacted, poorly maintained lawns—often growing in areas with heavy foot traffic or worn-down soil. It features waxy, oval-shaped leaves that form in a rosette close to the ground, with tall stalk-like seed heads rising from the center.
This weed usually shows up in the summer and can linger well into fall. Its fibrous root system makes it stubborn to pull by hand, and it often requires targeted treatment to control.
Now that you’ve learned how to identify some of the most common lawn weeds in Northern Virginia, you’re probably wondering what to do next.
The truth is, different weeds require different treatment methods. While some may respond to one or two applications of professional weed control, others—like wild violet or crabgrass—can be much more stubborn. In some cases, products may not be very effective at all, and a different approach might be necessary.
That’s why the best way to get rid of lawn weeds is to work with a lawn care company that takes the time to properly identify what’s growing in your yard—and chooses the right treatment based on your specific situation.
At Kingstowne Lawn & Landscape, we don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach to weed control. We create a customized plan that may include targeted weed control products, fertilization, soil testing, aeration, overseeding, or even power-seeding or topdressing if needed.
With the right care strategy, your lawn can become thick and healthy—naturally defending itself against future weed invasions. And with the help of a trusted lawn care partner, you don’t have to figure it all out on your own.
What are some common lawn weeds in Virginia?
Some of the most common weeds we see in Virginia lawns include chickweed, crabgrass, wild violet, white clover, dandelions, henbit, and spotted spurge. Each weed has its own growth pattern, preferred conditions, and level of difficulty to control.
How can I tell what type of weeds are in my lawn?
Start by looking at when the weed appears (spring, summer, or fall), how it grows (in clumps, low mats, or upright stems), and its leaf and flower characteristics. We’ve included identification tips for 9 of the most common Virginia lawn weeds in this guide—but if you’re unsure, a professional lawn care company can help you identify them accurately.
Can I get rid of weeds myself, or do I need professional help?
Some weeds can be managed with DIY products or hand-pulling, but others—like wild violet or crabgrass—often require targeted professional treatments. Working with a lawn care expert ensures you’re using the right strategy for your lawn’s specific conditions.
If you’re tired of battling weeds on your own, it’s time to bring in the pros. At Kingstowne Lawn & Landscape, we’ll take the guesswork off your plate—starting with proper weed identification and a treatment plan tailored to your lawn’s unique needs.
Whether you're dealing with one stubborn weed or a lawn full of invaders, we’ll help you get things back under control with the right mix of expert care and proven solutions.
Request your quote today, choose from three professional lawn care program options, and enjoy the royal treatment your lawn deserves.
Image sources: white clover, common chickweed, dandelion