A Homeowner's Guide to Winter Weeds in Virginia

As the crisp autumn air begins to settle over Virginia, many homeowners think it's time to relax on lawn care. However, winter in Virginia brings its own set of lawn challenges, particularly when it comes to winter weeds. While the trees may be bare and the grass dormant, a variety of invasive plants continue to thrive in the cooler months, creating frustration for homeowners across the state.

Understanding and managing winter weeds in Virginia is essential for maintaining a healthy lawn year-round. In this guide, we'll discuss the most common winter weeds in Virginia, how to identify them, and what steps you can take to protect your lawn through the colder months.

Common Winter Weeds in Virginia

Virginia’s climate offers the perfect environment for many winter weeds to take root. Here are some of the most common offenders that homeowners in cities like Richmond, Norfolk, and Roanoke often encounter:

Henbit

One of the most prevalent winter annuals in Virginia, Henbit grows quickly once the temperatures drop. This weed has square stems with small, purple flowers and heart-shaped leaves. Henbit tends to spread rapidly, especially in poorly maintained lawns, and can overrun turf if not addressed.

Chickweed

Common Chickweed loves Virginia’s cool, moist winters. It forms dense mats of bright green leaves and tiny white flowers, which can smother grass and other plants. Chickweed thrives in both sun and shade, making it a versatile invader in lawns across the state.

Annual Bluegrass (Poa annua)

While often seen in early spring, Annual Bluegrass can germinate in the fall and continue growing through the winter. Its bright green clumps stand out against dormant grass, making it an eyesore in many Virginia lawns. Without proper treatment, it can spread rapidly, taking over large sections of your yard.

Wild Garlic and Wild Onion

Residents in cities like Charlottesville and Newport News may notice clusters of Wild Garlic or Wild Onion in their lawns. These perennials can be difficult to remove because of their underground bulbs. Both produce tall, slender shoots that resemble grass but give off a distinct onion or garlic smell when mowed.

Bittercress

This weed is common in the cooler months and can quickly spread in Virginia’s mild winters. Bittercress produces small, white flowers and can be identified by its slender seed pods, which will burst and spread seeds when disturbed.

Learn more about common weeds in Virginia.

Why Are Winter Weeds a Problem in Virginia?

Winter weeds may seem harmless because they appear when your grass is dormant, but they can cause long-term damage to your lawn. These plants compete with your grass for nutrients, sunlight, and water, leading to weaker turf in the spring.

Weeds like Henbit and Chickweed thrive in the cooler, wetter conditions that are typical in Virginia during winter. If left unchecked, they’ll continue growing throughout the season, making it harder to regain control of your lawn when the weather warms up.

Preventing and Getting Rid of Winter Weeds in Virginia

The best way to keep winter weeds at bay is through a combination of prevention, active treatment, and proper lawn care. Here’s what homeowners in Virginia can do to stay ahead of these seasonal invaders:

1. Apply Pre-Emergent Herbicides in the Fall

Pre-emergent herbicides are essential for preventing weeds from taking root before winter. Applying these in late summer or early fall will help keep winter weeds like Annual Bluegrass and Henbit from germinating. Make sure to choose products labeled for use in Virginia’s climate and lawn types.

2. Maintain a Healthy Lawn

A thick, healthy lawn is the best defense against winter weeds. In areas like Virginia Beach or Alexandria, where mild winters are common, it’s crucial to continue mowing, watering, and fertilizing your lawn in the fall. Keeping the grass healthy will prevent weeds from establishing.

3. Spot Treat with Post-Emergent Herbicides

If weeds have already sprouted, use post-emergent herbicides to treat problem areas. Products designed for specific winter weeds, such as Chickweed or Bittercress, can be effective. Just be cautious with over-application to avoid damaging your grass. You can also use DIY weed killer.

4. Hand Pull Problem Weeds

For weeds like Wild Garlic and Wild Onion, hand-pulling may be necessary. Digging out these weeds early in the season, bulbs and all, can prevent them from spreading throughout your lawn. It may be a labor-intensive process, but it's often the most effective method.

Learn more about getting rid of VA weeds and how herbicides work.

Local Winter Weed Control

If you’re struggling with winter weeds and are unsure where to start, consider contacting a local lawn care professional at Agronomic Lawn Management. Our team of local lawn experts is familiar with the specific weed problems the state faces and can provide targeted solutions to keep your yard weed-free.

If you're looking for more tips on winter lawn care or need expert advice, don’t hesitate to contact our Suffolk lawn care experts.