Some weeds aren’t just unsightly—they’re persistent invaders with deep roots or underground tubers that make them extremely difficult to remove without professional treatment.
At Lawn Doctor of Greater Richmond, we specialize in controlling these tough weeds so your lawn can thrive.
These weeds are persistent and often require repeated treatments to stay under control. Weather conditions can also stimulate growth patterns throughout the year, making professional management essential.
Wild Violets
Wild violets may look attractive in flower beds, but in lawns they are invasive and stubborn.
These perennial broadleaf weeds spread through deep, fibrous roots that survive winter and return year after year.
Pulling them rarely works—fragments left behind can easily regrow unless treated professionally.
Oxalis (Creeping Woodsorrel)
Oxalis is a low-growing weed with clover-like leaves and small yellow flowers.
Its underground tubers allow it to regenerate after mowing or digging.
It thrives in shaded, moist areas and spreads quickly without repeated, targeted treatments.
Ground Ivy / Creeping Charlie / Collar Weed / Pennywort
These names all refer to one aggressive weed that forms dense mats along the ground.
Creeping stems root at nodes, making manual removal nearly impossible.
This weed is highly resilient and requires ongoing professional management to prevent it from choking out healthy grass.
Clover
Clover competes with turfgrass for nutrients and water.
Its deep roots make it difficult to control without repeated, professional treatments.
Henbit
Henbit is a winter annual that germinates in fall and grows vigorously in early spring.
It spreads through seeds and creeping stems that root at nodes, especially in bare or thin areas.
Without proper pre- or post-emergent treatments, henbit can return year after year.
Nutsedge (Nutgrass)
Nutsedge is a fast-growing grassy weed with underground tubers known as nutlets or “nutlings.”
In Richmond lawns, this includes yellow nutsedge, purple nutsedge, and kyllinga.
These weeds love wet areas and grow rapidly during heavy rainfall, forming dense patches that outcompete turfgrass.
Due to their persistence, nutsedge requires its own specialized reduction program with targeted, repeated treatments.
Other Deep-Rooted Perennials
Other perennials, such as creeping bellflower, survive cold winters, drought, and repeated removal attempts.
Effective control requires professional treatments that target roots below the surface and ongoing follow-up.
Crabgrass
Crabgrass thrives in compacted soil and can invade thin or bare areas, especially after pre-emergent treatments weaken later in the season.
Late summer and fall crabgrass is very difficult to kill without damaging tall fescue turf.
Its presence often indicates the need for Fall Power Seeding to thicken turf and prevent future weed invasions.
📞 Call 804.550.3800 or contact us today to schedule a free consultation and take control of even the toughest weeds in your Richmond lawn.
