Specific Weeds

Poison ivy loves to wreak havoc and make you itch. And because it packs a complex root system and a rash-inducing oil, it can be a pain to get rid of. Thankfully, there’s a method for controlling the madness. Survey problematic areas monthly during growing season (May through November) and look for new poisonous plants that might have appeared.

Found commonly throughout North America, buckthorn is a serious threat to natural areas, backyards, parks, and forests. You'll find it along roadsides, in old fields, prairie fens, savannas, and different woodlands. Common Buckthorn has pushed out native plants and messed up the ecosystems of many forested areas. Not cool, buckthorn.

This troublemaker is usually associated with its penchant for causing skin rash, which is caused by an oil called urushiol. But what’s often overlooked is that poison oak can put a stranglehold on weakened areas in your yard.

English ivy is a tough and troublesome weed. Left alone, it spreads up trees and even onto buildings. Its powerful vines can penetrate trees and cracks in buildings, and can lead to rotting if left untreated.

Bentgrass is a low growing, fine-bladed grassy weed. Kept very short, it looks neat and uniform. But given the chance to grow freely, bentgrass turns into a dense, scraggly patch that can ruin an otherwise beautiful landscape.

Bermudagrass is a popular turfgrass found in the southern United States. Though it’s known for its luscious profile, it’s also an aggressive species that can quickly dominate an area. Bermudagrass, why must you be so deceiving?

Dallisgrass is one of the most problematic weeds in the southern United States. It loves warm, moist areas and thrives during the summer. And though it’s easy to identify, getting rid of it can be another story.

Johnsongrass is a burly bully that can reach eight feet tall and produce thousands of seeds per year. It’s particularly adept at taking over landscapes. Here are a few tips for getting rid of this big meanie.

Monkeygrass is the name for two similar plants that are popular for borders and ground cover. These grass-like plants are extremely versatile. They can grow in all sorts of soils and handle the sun just as well as the shade. Sounds great, right? Well, not exactly. One type doesn’t like to behave.

Bamboo can be a beautiful plant. But left uncontrolled, it can become an invasive problem. Even though the hollow grass only produces seeds every 7–12 years, its rhizomes spread far and wide. These tough, underground stems can even withstand some herbicides and most environmental elements. So, when it comes to dealing with bamboo, sometimes you need to be aggressive.

Don’t be fooled by the cute name. Where it’s shady and damp, this weed sets up camp. Nimblewill is a native grass that lives mostly in the eastern part of the country. It thrives in rich soil and anywhere it can take cover from the sun. This aggressive grass sets seeds in the fall and hides until spring. Here are a few tips for keeping it under control.

Orchardgrass is a forage crop that loves to creep up on landscapes and surprise homeowners with its knack for spreading quickly. It’s mostly found in the northeastern United States and loves cool weather, especially during the spring and fall seasons.