Winning the Battle Against Lawn Weeds. Simple ways to identify and treat common troublemakers in your yard.

Weeds may be small, but they’re mighty when it comes to taking over a yard. Around Western Morris and Warren Counties, homeowners battle everything from crabgrass and clover to plantain and creeping charlie—and each one requires a slightly different approach.

The first step is knowing what you’re up against. Crabgrass tends to thrive in thin, sun-soaked patches of lawn, while broadleaf plantain favors compacted soil. Dandelions, often seen as just a nuisance, can actually signal that your soil may be low in calcium.

Treating all weeds the same can lead to frustration. Identification allows for more targeted—and more effective—solutions that go beyond just yanking the visible parts. Aerating your lawn in the fall helps loosen compacted areas, while overseeding thickens turf and leaves less room for invaders to take hold.

For those aiming to be more eco-conscious, a range of organic and spot treatments are available that are safe for pets and pollinators alike. Prevention, too, plays a major role: mowing high helps shade out weed seedlings, deep but infrequent watering encourages strong root systems, and a steady supply of slow-release fertilizer strengthens grass to better resist encroachment.

Don’t overlook borders and hardscape edges, where many weeds sneak in from sidewalk cracks or neglected garden beds. With some consistency and a bit of strategy, even the most stubborn lawn can be brought back into balance.

According to local homeowners, these are the 4 weeds that can be found in just about every yard in this area. Do you have a tried and true method of dealing with these? Click HERE to share your method!