Dollarweed: What It Means for Your Lawn and How to Get Rid of It
by:
GreenGate Turf, Pest, & Irrigation
If you’ve noticed round, shiny green leaves popping up throughout your lawn, there’s a good chance you’re dealing with dollarweed. This fast-spreading plant is one of the most common and frustrating lawn invaders in Texas, especially in areas with heavy rainfall, poor drainage, or overwatering.
While dollarweed may look harmless at first, it can quickly take over if conditions are right. The good news is that with the proper approach, you can get control of it and prevent it from coming back stronger.
Let’s break down what dollarweed is, why it shows up, and how to get rid of dollarweed effectively.
Dollarweed is a perennial broadleaf plant that thrives in warm, moist environments. It gets its name from its silver dollar-shaped leaves, which stand out clearly against most turfgrass varieties.
It’s often confused with clover or other low-growing weeds, but dollarweed has a distinct look and growth habit. Unlike many weeds that indicate poor soil fertility, dollarweeds are usually a sign of excessive moisture.
The short answer is yes—it can be. While it may not be classified as invasive in the same way as some aggressive non-native species, dollarweed spreads rapidly under the right conditions. It reproduces through underground rhizomes and can quickly form dense patches that crowd out your grass.
If left untreated, dollarweeds can weaken your lawn by competing for space, sunlight, and nutrients, eventually leading to thin or bare areas.
Why Do You Have Dollarweed in Your Lawn?
Source: Lawn Institute
Understanding why dollarweed appears is key to long-term control. This isn’t just a weed problem—it’s often a symptom of underlying lawn conditions.
Here are the most common causes:
1. Overwatering
Dollarweed thrives in consistently moist soil. Lawns that are watered too frequently or for too long create the perfect environment for it to grow.
2. Poor Drainage
If your yard holds water after rain or irrigation, it creates a breeding ground for dollarweed. Compacted soil and low-lying areas are especially prone.
3. Excessive Rainfall
In regions like Texas, periods of heavy rain can lead to sudden outbreaks of dollarweed, even in otherwise healthy lawns.
4. Thin or Weak Turf
A thick, healthy lawn naturally resists weeds. When turf is stressed or thinning, dollarweed can easily move in and take over.
How to Get Rid of Dollarweed
If you’re wondering how to get rid of dollarweed, the answer involves a combination of proper lawn care and targeted treatments.
Step 1: Adjust Your Watering Habits
One of the most effective ways to reduce dollarweed is to water less frequently but more deeply. This encourages deeper root growth in your grass while making conditions less favorable for weeds.
Step 2: Improve Drainage
Address areas where water tends to pool. Aeration, leveling low spots, and improving soil structure can make a big difference over time.
Step 3: Strengthen Your Lawn
Healthy grass is your best defense. Proper fertilization, mowing at the correct height, and consistent care will help your turf outcompete dollarweeds naturally.
Using a Dollarweed Killer
When cultural practices aren’t enough, using a dollarweed killer can help eliminate existing growth.
Not all products are created equal, though. Choosing the right treatment depends on your grass type and the severity of the infestation.
A post-emergent dollarweed herbicide is typically the most effective option. These products are designed to target actively growing weeds without harming your lawn when applied correctly.
For best results:
Apply when dollarweed is actively growing
Follow label instructions carefully
Avoid mowing immediately before or after application
Ensure proper coverage without overapplication
Keep in mind that multiple treatments may be needed for full control, especially in heavily infested areas.
How to Eliminate Dollarweed for the Long Term
If you’re focused on how to eliminate dollarweed completely, it’s important to think beyond quick fixes.
Consistency Is Key
One treatment won’t solve the problem if the underlying conditions remain. Ongoing maintenance is essential for lasting results.
Combine Treatments with Lawn Care
Using a dollarweed herbicide alongside proper watering, fertilization, and mowing practices gives you the best chance of success.
Monitor Problem Areas
Keep an eye on sections of your lawn that tend to stay wet or struggle with growth. Catching dollarweed early makes it much easier to control.
Dollarweed Control: Prevention Tips
Once you’ve tackled the existing problem, the next step is preventing it from coming back.
Here are some proven dollarweed control strategies:
Water only when your lawn needs it, not on a fixed schedule
Mow at the recommended height for your grass type
Aerate compacted soil to improve drainage
Avoid over-fertilizing, which can stress your lawn
Maintain consistent lawn care throughout the growing season
A proactive approach will save you time, money, and frustration down the road.
When to Call a Professional
While DIY methods can help, dollarweed can be stubborn—especially in Texas climates where moisture levels fluctuate frequently.
A professional lawn care service can:
Accurately identify the problem
Apply the right dollarweed killer safely and effectively
Customize treatments based on your lawn’s needs
Address underlying issues like drainage and soil health
This not only improves results but also helps prevent recurring outbreaks.
Take Back Control of Your Lawn
Dealing with dollarweed can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right combination of lawn care practices and targeted treatments, you can restore your lawn and keep it looking its best.
At GreenGate Turf & Pest, we specialize in identifying the root cause of lawn issues and delivering effective, long-term solutions. Whether you’re dealing with a few patches or widespread dollarweeds, our team has the expertise to help.
Ready to eliminate dollarweed for good?
Contact GreenGate Turf & Pest today to get started with a customized lawn care program designed to keep your yard healthy, green, and weed-free all season long.
