The Most Common Arkansas Weeds (and How to Remove Them)

Arkansas's warm, humid climate creates perfect conditions for weeds to grow aggressively. With frequent rainfall, high humidity, and clay soil, weeds spread fast across lawns, flowerbeds, and garden spaces.

Homeowners in Fayetteville, Bentonville, Rogers, Springdale, Centerton, Bella Vista, and surrounding areas 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 Arkansas weeds, why the state's climate accelerates growth, and the best ways to remove and prevent them.

Why Weeds Grow So Aggressively in Arkansas

Weeds thrive in Arkansas because of:

• Long growing seasons
• High humidity
• Regular rainfall
• Clay soil that holds moisture
• Hot summers
• Mild winters that don't kill seeds
• Fertile soil

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 Arkansas

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

1. Nutsedge (Nutgrass)

One of the most stubborn weeds in Arkansas.

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

2. Dollarweed

Common in moist, shady areas of Arkansas lawns.

Why it's a problem:

• Thrives in wet conditions
• Spreads quickly
• Hard to control once established
• Common throughout Arkansas

3. 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

4. Chamberbitter

Common in Arkansas, especially in warm, moist areas.

Why it's a problem:

• Fast-growing
• Forms dense mats
• Difficult to control

5. 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

6. 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

7. Dandelion

Common in Arkansas lawns and gardens.

Why it's a problem:

• Deep taproots make it hard to remove
• Spreads quickly via seeds
• Competes with grass for nutrients

8. Poa Annua

A cool-season annual grass weed.

Why it's a problem:

• Grows in winter and early spring
• Dies in summer, leaving bare patches
• Spreads quickly

9. Foxtail

Common in Arkansas lawns, especially in thin or weak areas.

Why it's a problem:

• Fast-growing
• Forms dense clumps
• Difficult to control

10. Thistle

Common in Arkansas lawns and fields.

Why it's a problem:

• Sharp spines make it painful to handle
• Deep taproots make it hard to remove
• Spreads quickly

Arkansas Pre-Emergent Timing

Pre-emergents stop weed seeds from sprouting.

Apply in:

• Late February – Early April
• Late summer (August–September)

Pre-emergent is essential in Arkansas because of the aggressive weed cycles. Arkansas is one of the top crabgrass states, so early application is critical.

Summer Weed Spraying

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.

Mulching for Weed Control

Mulch helps:

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

Works extremely well with hardwood mulches common in Arkansas.

Apply 2–3 inches of mulch for best results.

How Soil Impacts Weed Growth

Arkansas's clay soil impacts weed growth:

• Clay soil holds moisture, creating ideal conditions for some weeds
• Compacted clay makes it harder for grass to compete
• Proper aeration helps reduce weed pressure
• Improving soil drainage helps prevent moisture-loving weeds

Why Arkansas's Climate Requires Consistent Weed Control

Unlike states with harsh winters, Arkansas'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 Arkansas

You need professional treatment when:

• Weeds reappear after pulling
• Nutsedge or dollarweed 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.

Get Weed Removal Solutions for Your Arkansas Home

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