Part 1: Winter Weeds in Warm-Season Lawns: Dormant Bermuda and Zoysia Grass
Part 1 of 2: Understanding Winter Weeds in Georgia Lawns
These sneaky invaders—like chickweed, henbit, and annual bluegrass—love the mild, wet winters we have here in Georgia. They quietly grow while your grass is dormant, stealing nutrients, water, and sunlight from the soil your turf depends on for a healthy spring comeback.
This post is the first in our two-part series on winter weeds in Georgia lawns. In Part 1, we'll focus on what's happening in dormant warm-season grasses like Bermuda and Zoysia. Next time, in Part 2, we'll shift to cool-season lawns, where Fescue stays green all winter long—and faces its own weed challenges.
Why Dormant Lawns Are Still Vulnerable
Bare or thinning spots in the turf let light reach the soil surface—exactly what weed seeds need to germinate. Winter rains and mild temperatures create ideal conditions for weeds to sprout and spread, especially in lawns that weren't treated with pre-emergent herbicide in the fall.
When spring arrives, those weeds are already established, crowding your grass and delaying its ability to grow healthy and vibrant.
Common Winter Weeds in Warm-Season Lawns
- Poa annua (Annual Bluegrass): Bright green clumps that stand out in brown turf; produces thousands of seeds per plant.
- Chickweed: A low-growing, mat-forming weed that thrives in cool, damp conditions.
- Henbit: Purple flowers and square stems; often seen spreading quickly in late winter.
- Wild Onion & Wild Garlic: Spiky shoots that grow tall above dormant turf.
- Dandelion: Deep-rooted perennial that persists through every season. We've all seen these everywhere!
These weeds don't just hurt your lawn's appearance—they rob your soil of vital nutrients and moisture. That makes it harder for your grass to rebound when temperatures start to rise in April or May.
How to Prevent Winter Weeds
Apply Pre-Emergent in Fall
A fall pre-emergent treatment forms a protective barrier in the soil that stops weed seeds from sprouting.
Use Post-Emergent Treatments as Needed
If weeds appear despite preventive efforts, post-emergent weed control can knock them out before they mature and spread seeds.
Keep Your Lawn Healthy
A dense lawn is your best defense against weeds. Avoid scalping your lawn in late fall, remove heavy leaf cover, and don't overwater or over mow during dormancy.
Get Professional Support When Needed
If weeds pop up between treatments, lawn care professionals can provide follow-up sprays to correct the issue quickly and keep your turf protected through the season.
Setting the Stage for Spring Growth
Dealing with winter weeds now makes a noticeable difference in spring. Dormant-season weed control allows your Bermuda or Zoysia grass to green up faster and more evenly, without competition from entrenched weeds.
When you protect your warm-season lawn in winter, you're really investing in the health and beauty of your lawn year-round.
Be sure to check out Part 2 of this series, where we'll talk about winter weeds in cool-season Fescue lawns—and why managing them requires a slightly different approach.
