Common Tennessee Weeds and the Best Ways to Remove Them

Tennessee's lush, green landscape is beautiful — but it also creates perfect conditions for weeds to grow aggressively. With warm summers, frequent rainfall, and nutrient-rich soil, weeds spread fast across lawns, flowerbeds, gravel areas, and garden spaces.

Homeowners in Nashville, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Memphis, Clarksville, and Murfreesboro all deal with the same issue: weeds grow faster here than in many other states.

If you don't stay ahead of them, they can take over your yard in a matter of weeks.

This guide covers the most common Tennessee weeds, why the state's climate accelerates growth, and the best ways to remove and prevent them.

Why Weeds Grow So Aggressively in Tennessee

Weeds thrive in Tennessee because of:

• Long growing seasons
• High humidity
• Regular rainfall
• Nutrient-rich soil
• Hot summers
• Mild winters that don't kill seeds
• Shaded yards from hardwood trees

Even during winter, some weeds remain active — meaning weed control isn't a seasonal task here; it's a year-round job.

The Most Common Weeds in Tennessee

Below are the weeds Tennessee homeowners see most often across lawns, flowerbeds, and gravel areas.

1. Crabgrass

Crabgrass loves:

• Heat
• Moist soil
• Thin or weak grass

It spreads quickly and forms wide, low patches that choke out healthy turf.

Why it's a problem:

• Fast spreading
• Hard to pull
• Comes back each year without pre-emergent
• Makes lawns uneven and patchy

2. Clover

Clover appears in:

• Thin lawns
• Moist soil
• Shaded areas

It's identifiable by its small three-leaf pattern and white flowers.

Why it's a problem:

• Spreads aggressively
• Attracts bees
• Competes with grass for nutrients

3. Dandelions

Recognizable by their yellow flowers and white seed heads.

Why they're a problem:

• Deep taproots make them hard to pull
• Seeds spread in the wind
• They regrow quickly

4. Henbit

A winter annual weed common across Middle and East Tennessee.

Why it's a problem:

• Grows fast in early spring
• Purple flowers spread seeds everywhere
• Takes over patches of lawn that are dormant

5. Nutsedge (Nutgrass)

One of the most stubborn weeds in Tennessee.

Why it's a problem:

• Grows faster than grass
• Very difficult to kill
• Spreads underground
• Looks tall and messy even after mowing
• Requires selective herbicide — cannot simply be pulled

6. Chickweed

Grows primarily in cool, wet conditions — often late fall through spring.

Why it's a problem:

• Creates dense mats
• Spreads across bare soil
• Makes grass more susceptible to fungus

7. Spurge

A low-growing weed that spreads outward from a center point.

Why it's a problem:

• Thrives in heat
• Comes back quickly
• Spreads across rock beds

8. Wild Violet

Beautiful but invasive.

Often found in shaded, moist areas.

Why it's a problem:

• Extremely hard to remove
• Thick root systems
• Resistant to many herbicides

9. Johnson Grass

Common along fences, driveways, and open soil.

Why it's a problem:

• Fast-growing
• Tall and invasive
• Spreads aggressively through deep roots

10. Broadleaf Plantain

A flat weed that thrives in compacted soil.

Why it's a problem:

• Indicates poor turf health
• Spreads across weak lawns
• Takes nutrients from grass

How Weeds Spread in Tennessee Yards

Weed seeds reach your yard through:

• Wind
• Birds
• Soil movement
• Rain
• Pets
• Lawn equipment
• Runoff from neighboring yards

Because Tennessee has so many wooded areas and properties with trees, seed spread is constant.

Once seeds land, Tennessee's climate helps them thrive:

• Moist soil after rain
• Warm temperatures
• Shade from trees
• Fertile soil

Best Weed Removal Methods for Tennessee Yards

Different weeds require different removal strategies. Here are the most effective.

1. Pulling Weeds by Hand

Works best for:

• Dandelions
• Clover
• Chickweed
• Plantain

Requirements:

• Soil must be moist
• You must remove the entire root

This method does NOT work well for nutsedge or weeds with underground tubers.

2. Using Post-Emergent Herbicides

Used for weeds that are already growing.

Effective on:

• Crabgrass
• Broadleaf weeds
• Clover
• Chickweed
• Dandelions

There are selective herbicides that target weeds without harming grass.

3. Using Pre-Emergent Treatments

Pre-emergents stop weed seeds from sprouting.

Apply in:

• Early spring (February–March)
• Late summer (August–September)

Pre-emergent is essential in Tennessee because of the aggressive weed cycles.

4. Mulching Flowerbeds

Mulch helps:

• Block sunlight to weed seeds
• Maintain moisture balance
• Reduce weed growth by 60–90%

Works extremely well with hardwood mulches common in Tennessee.

5. Weed Removal in Gravel Areas

Gravel yards still grow weeds due to:

• Moisture
• Soil underneath
• Wind-blown seeds

Best treatment:

• Spraying with non-selective herbicide
• Applying pre-emergent before leaf fall
• Raking and pulling young weeds weekly

6. Frequent Lawn Mowing

A thick, well-maintained lawn naturally prevents weeds.

This is why mowing every 5–7 days in spring and summer reduces the need for chemicals.

Why Tennessee's Climate Requires Consistent Weed Control

Unlike states with harsh winters, Tennessee's mild winters allow:

• Winter weeds to grow
• Seeds to survive until spring
• Cool-season weeds to germinate early
• Lawns to stay partially active year-round

This leads to:

• More total weeds
• More weed cycles
• More aggressive root systems
• Year-round weed management needs

Weed control cannot be done once or twice a year — it must be consistent.

When to Schedule Professional Weed Removal in Tennessee

You need professional treatment when:

• Weeds reappear after pulling
• Nutsedge or Johnson grass spreads
• Flowerbeds are full of weeds
• Grass is thinning or patchy
• You have fungus + weeds at the same time
• Your mowing schedule alone isn't helping
• Weeds keep returning each season

Weeds are a sign that your lawn ecosystem is unbalanced — professional services help restore that balance.

Benefits of Professional Weed Control Services

Pros bring:

• Commercial herbicides
• Proper application techniques
• Pre-emergent scheduling
• Consistent maintenance
• Mowing + edging support
• Knowledge of Tennessee-specific weeds
• Soil and lawn health evaluations

This leads to:

• Better lawn health
• Less weed regrowth
• Improved curb appeal
• Fewer pests
• Stronger grass over time

Get Weed Removal Solutions for Your Tennessee Home

If weeds are taking over your yard — or if you want a full seasonal weed control plan — Yard Maintenance connects you with reliable Tennessee weed removal professionals.