Doveweed – Identification and Control

Q: What is this weed and how do I kill it without killing the grass. I have sprayed it with Weed-B-Gone and I can not kill the weed that has made its way into my new sod.

A: This looks like doveweed to me. If so, it is VERY difficult to control! It looks like a grass but it is a broadleafed plant instead.

You will have to be persistent…and it may take two years to get it under control.

If it is in a small area, the best course is to dig it out as soon as it’s seen.

If you choose to control with chemicals, you must pursue two avenues: applying a pre-emergent at the right time in spring and applying a post-emergent on the leaves that escape the pre-emergent.

It may take experimenting to see what works best.

I recommend you apply dithiopyr (click for sources) in mid-February and again 4 – 6 weeks later. This will prevent some of the doveweed seeds from germinating.

When you see leaves emerging in May, it’s time to apply a post-emergent. Apply Bayer Season Long Weed Control (click for sources) according to label directions. If you don’t observe adequate control, apply Ortho Weed B Gon Max (click for sources) in August.

Repeat these steps in the second year.

BE SURE TO READ AND FOLLOW LABEL DIRECTIONS EXACTLY OR YOUR LAWN GRASS MAY BE DAMAGED.

See Doveweed

Doveweed a Growing Problem

Doveweed vs Buttonweed

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