Chickweed: Identification and Treatment in Georgia
Chickweed forms dense mats in cool, moist areas during winter. Learn how fall pre-emergent treatment prevents it from taking hold.
Weed profile
What Is Chickweed?
Chickweed is a low-growing winter annual that forms dense mats in cool, moist conditions. It germinates in fall alongside henbit and thrives in shaded, overwatered areas.
Identification
How to Identify Chickweed
Small, oval leaves in pairs along thin, trailing stems
Tiny white star-shaped flowers with 5 deeply notched petals
Forms dense, mat-like patches close to the ground
Thrives in cool, moist, shaded areas
Single line of fine hairs along one side of the stem
Commonly Confused With
Henbit
Henbit grows more upright with square stems and purple flowers. Chickweed grows flat with round stems and tiny white flowers.
Learn moreTreatment
How to Get Rid of Chickweed
Prevention
Fall pre-emergent application prevents germination
Reduce overwatering in shaded areas
Improve drainage in low-lying spots
Maintain proper turf density going into fall
Professional Treatment
Post-emergent broadleaf herbicide in late winter. Fall pre-emergent is the primary defense. Like henbit, chickweed is annual — preventing seed production breaks the cycle.
DIY vs pro
Why Professional Treatment Works Better
Chickweed is easy to pull but grows back from any root fragments or seeds left behind. The dense mat makes hand-pulling impractical for large infestations. Professional pre-emergent in fall prevents the problem entirely.
Affected grasses
Grass Types Chickweed Invades
Why Attaboy
Professional Chickweed Treatment from Attaboy
Common questions
Frequently Asked Questions About Chickweed
Why does chickweed grow in my shady areas?
Chickweed thrives in cool, moist, shaded conditions. Shaded areas tend to stay wet longer and have thinner turf, creating ideal conditions.
Will chickweed damage my lawn?
Yes. Dense chickweed mats smother grass underneath and steal water and nutrients. Even though chickweed dies in summer, the damage to grass may persist.
How do I prevent chickweed?
Fall pre-emergent herbicide applied in September-October prevents germination. Reducing overwatering and improving drainage also helps.
Related weeds
Other Weeds Active in the Same Season
Take action
Stop Chickweed Before It Takes Over
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