Common Spring Weeds in Indiana and How to Prevent Them

As the days get longer and the weather gets warmer, one thing that inevitably starts popping up in yards and gardens all over Indiana is weeds. Spring is the prime time for weed growth, as the combination of sunshine and rain creates the ideal conditions for their rapid proliferation. In order to keep your yard looking pristine and healthy, it's important to be proactive in preventing and controlling common spring weeds.

Dandelions

One of the most common weeds in Indiana during the spring months is dandelions. These bright yellow flowers may be pretty to look at, but they can quickly take over your lawn if left unchecked. Dandelions are perennial weeds, meaning they come back year after year if not properly dealt with. To prevent dandelions from spreading, it's important to regularly mow your lawn and keep it well-watered. Additionally, applying a pre-emergent herbicide in early spring can help to prevent dandelion seeds from germinating.

Crabgrass

Another pesky spring weed in Indiana is crabgrass. This annual weed thrives in sunny areas with compacted soil, and can quickly take over a lawn if left untreated. To prevent crabgrass, it's important to aerate your lawn regularly to loosen compacted soil, and to mow your grass at the proper height to promote healthy root development. Additionally, applying a pre-emergent herbicide in early spring can help to prevent crabgrass seeds from germinating.

Clover

Clover is another common spring weed in Indiana that can quickly spread throughout a lawn if not properly controlled. Clover thrives in areas with poor soil health, so one of the best ways to prevent it is to regularly fertilize your lawn and improve soil health through proper watering and aeration. Additionally, hand pulling or spot treating clover with a post-emergent herbicide can help to control its spread.