Broadleaf Weed Watch: The Most Common Lawn Invaders in South Florida This Season

As the cooler months approach in South Florida, lawns can face a surge in broadleaf weeds. While our turf rarely goes fully dormant, seasonal changes combined with moisture and occasional overwatering create ideal conditions for unwelcome guests. Among the most common are Dollarweed, Dichondra, and Blue Dayflower—each capable of competing with your grass for nutrients, sunlight, and water.

Hulett Environmental Services helps homeowners stay ahead of these invaders with expert lawn spraying and fertilization services, ensuring healthy, vibrant turf throughout the season.

Why Broadleaf Weeds Flourish During South Florida’s Cooler Months

Even in mild winters, shorter daylight and cooler nights slow turf growth, leaving gaps that opportunistic weeds quickly exploit. Overwatered areas, scalped lawns, or weakened turf from pests and disease make it even easier for broadleaf weeds to establish and spread. Preventing these seasonal weeds before they take hold is key to maintaining a thick, green lawn.

Dollarweed: The Moisture-Loving Lawn Invader

Dollarweed thrives in damp soils and shaded areas, often appearing in St. Augustine grass and other dense turf types. Its round, coin-like leaves allow it to spread quickly through underground rhizomes and seeds. Excess irrigation or poor drainage can accelerate growth, making early identification and treatment essential.

Dichondra: The Creeping Weed That Crowds Out Turfgrass

Dichondra is a low-growing, mat-forming weed that spreads aggressively in lawns with high moisture or shaded conditions. Its small, kidney-shaped leaves can be mistaken for other broadleaf weeds like Florida pusley, but its creeping habit allows it to outcompete healthy grass. Without professional intervention, Dichondra can dominate large areas of turf, leaving lawns thin and patchy.

Blue Dayflower: A Persistent Seasonal Pest in Florida Lawns

Blue Dayflower (Commelina diffusa) is a trailing weed with small blue flowers that flourish in lawns during cooler months. It spreads via seeds and stem fragments, making it a persistent challenge for homeowners. Left untreated, it can quickly occupy bare spots and compete with grass for nutrients and sunlight.

How to Identify Common Lawn Weeds in Florida

Identifying broadleaf weeds early is the first step toward effective control. Key tips:

• Look for leaf shape and growth pattern: Dollarweed has round leaves, Dichondra has kidney-shaped leaves, and Blue Dayflower produces blue flowers.
• Monitor shaded or wet areas: Weeds often start in these problem spots.
• Inspect frequently: Regular observation allows early detection before weeds spread extensively.

Hulett’s technicians are trained in Florida lawn weed identification, ensuring accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment.

Preventing Seasonal Weeds with Proper Lawn Maintenance

Cultural practices play a vital role in reducing weed infestations:

• Mowing: Maintain proper mow height for your grass type and avoid scalping, which weakens turf.
• Irrigation: Water deeply but infrequently to prevent overwatering that encourages weeds.
• Fertilization: Use balanced green lawn fertilizer to promote dense, healthy turf that can outcompete weeds naturally.
• Pest control: Healthy turf is more resilient against both weeds and insects that may create thin, vulnerable areas. Lawn pest control is critical to control these lawn damaging pests.

The Role of Lawn Spraying and Fertilization in Weed Control

While cultural practices are essential, professional treatments provide the most reliable protection against broadleaf weeds. Hulett’s lawn spraying and fertilization services in Florida combine:

• Targeted herbicide applications for Dollarweed, Dichondra, Blue Dayflower, and other weeds.
• Fertilization programs to strengthen roots, improve color, and enhance turf density.
• Eco-friendly products and Integrated Pest Management strategies to protect your family, pets, and the environment.

This integrated approach ensures your lawn remains lush and resilient, even during South Florida’s seasonal transitions.

Choose Hulett for the Best Lawn Weed Control Services in South Florida

Don’t let seasonal broadleaf weeds take over your lawn. With Hulett Environmental Services, you get expert, eco-friendly, and customized lawn care programs that keep your turf healthy, green, and free from weeds.

Protect your lawn this season by Just Calling Hulett! Schedule your free, no-obligation inspection today and receive a tailored plan for weed control, fertilization, and overall lawn health.