Charleston and Mt Pleasant are known for beautiful Lowcountry landscapes, but the warm, humid climate also creates ideal conditions for some of the most persistent lawn weeds in the Southeast. These invaders spread quickly, compete with turf for nutrients and can weaken even the healthiest yards if not addressed early.
Understanding Charleston weeds, growth habits and treatment options is the first step toward protecting your landscape. At Simply Green Landscaping, our team lives and works right here in the Lowcountry. As a local, full-service company with an in-house landscape architect, we help homeowners stay ahead of the weed problems in SC while keeping lawns healthy year-round.
Why Weeds Thrive in the Lowcountry
Charleston’s long growing season, mild winters and steady moisture provide the perfect environment for weeds to germinate in every season.
Many of the common Charleston lawn weeds that cause frustration for homeowners fall into one of three categories:
- Warm-season weeds that flourish in spring and summer
- Cool-season weeds that pop up in fall and winter
- Perennial weeds that survive year after year
Because these weeds germinate at different times, effective lawn care in the region requires a combination of preemergent and post-emergent treatments along with strong cultural practices.
Problematic Weeds to Watch Out for in SC
Explore some of the most common and problematic weeds in South Carolina below.
Crabgrass
Crabgrass is recognized as one of the most notorious weeds in Mount Pleasant, thriving particularly well in thin or stressed turf and in areas like hot sidewalks and driveways where soil temperatures are higher. Once mature, it produces thousands of seeds that successfully overwinter and germinate the following year.
This weed can be identified by its light green, coarse texture and low-growing clumps that spread outward. It germinates early in warm, compacted soil. To control crabgrass, it is recommended to apply a preemergent in early spring, maintain a proper mowing height, and reduce soil compaction.
Dollarweed
Dollarweed is a moisture-loving perennial that easily spreads in Charleston’s humid climate. It is identifiable by its round, silver-dollar-sized leaves with a glossy surface, and it is often found in damp or shaded areas. This weed grows aggressively in overwatered yards and poorly drained soil. Effective control methods include reducing irrigation, improving drainage, and using targeted post-emergent controls.
Nutsedge
Often mistaken for grass, nutsedge is one of the most difficult weeds in Mt. Pleasant to eliminate due to its growth from underground tubers. It is characterized by triangular stems, bright green blades, and rapid upright growth. Nutsedge thrives in hot, soggy soil and spreads quickly through resilient rhizomes. To control it, reduce soil moisture, avoid disturbing its roots, and use specialized sedge treatments.
Chamberbitter
Chamberbitter spreads rapidly in Charleston’s heat and is known for its tiny seed capsules hidden underneath each leaf. This weed can be identified by its vertical stems with rows of small leaves that resemble a miniature mimosa plant. It germinates throughout the summer, particularly in sunny, thin turf. Control measures involve applying a preemergent before the summer heat, improving turf density, and spot treating early.
Dallisgrass
Dallisgrass is a tough perennial grass that commonly invades warm-season lawns, especially in areas with poor drainage. Its identification features include coarse clumps with tall seed stalks and visible spikelets. This weed has a deep root system and a high tolerance to foot traffic. Control strategies involve targeted post-emergents, selective removal, and consistent cultural practices.
Clover
While sometimes tolerated in northern lawns, clover spreads quickly in Charleston landscapes, especially when the turf is nutrient-deprived. It is identified by its three rounded leaflets and small white blooms. Clover prefers low-nitrogen soil and thrives when the turf is stressed. To get rid of it, improve soil fertility, thicken the turf, and use selective broadleaf treatments.
Virginia Buttonweed
Virginia Buttonweed is considered one of the most stubborn Charleston lawn weeds, growing outward in dense mats that can choke out turf. Its characteristics include opposite leaves, white star-shaped flowers, and a sprawling growth pattern.
This weed thrives in moist, warm soil and can reproduce from both seeds and plant fragments. Control methods involve removing small patches by hand, improving drainage, and applying targeted post-emergent products.
Season-by-Season Weed Prevention Strategies
Learn more about seasonal weed prevention below:
Spring
Spring is the foundation of effective weed control in Charleston and Mt Pleasant. This is the ideal time to apply preemergent herbicides that prevent crabgrass and other warm-season weeds from emerging before they reach the surface.
As temperatures rise, begin regular mowing to encourage dense turf growth, which naturally crowds out early weed seedlings. Spring is also the best time to address drainage issues. Improving how your yard handles excess water helps prevent moisture-loving weeds from gaining a foothold once summer heat arrives.
Summer
During the summer months, focus on consistent lawn habits that strengthen your turf and limit weed growth. Watering deeply but infrequently encourages strong root development and discourages weeds that prefer constantly damp soil. Spot treat any visible weeds before they have a chance to flower or produce seeds that can spread across your yard.
Be sure to monitor high-heat areas like curb lines, sidewalks and driveways where soil warms quickly. These spots often become early germination zones for some of the most aggressive seasonal weeds.
Fall
Fall is just as important as spring when it comes to long-term weed prevention. Apply a fall preemergent to stop cool-season weeds from germinating as temperatures begin to drop.
This is also an excellent time to overseed thin lawns, which helps reduce bare areas where weeds typically take hold. Continue mowing until your turf naturally goes dormant, keeping the lawn tidy and allowing new grass to establish before winter sets in.
Winter
Although growth slows in winter, weed prevention doesn’t stop. This is the season to identify cool-season weeds early, including clover and wild onion, which often appear when the turf is thinnest. Apply selective post-emergents as needed to keep them from spreading.
Winter is also the perfect time to prepare for spring by maintaining healthy soil, monitoring moisture levels and keeping your mowing height consistent when the grass is still growing. These habits will ensure your lawn starts the next season strong and better equipped to resist weeds.
How Homeowners Can Identify Weeds Early
Early detection is one of the most effective ways to keep a few unwanted sprouts from turning into a full lawn takeover. Many weeds in SC begin as small, easily overlooked patches, so recognizing changes in your yard early can save time and prevent costly treatments later. Here are additional tips to help you stay ahead of emerging weeds:
- Scrutinize new growth: Look closely at new patches of broadleaf or grassy growth and note any areas where turf appears thinner, uneven or a noticeably different color than the surrounding lawn.
- Examine leaf and blade characteristics: Pay attention to blade texture, leaf shape and growth patterns, since many weeds stand out by being coarser, shinier or broader than healthy turfgrass.
- Monitor moisture levels: Monitor areas that are consistently too wet or too dry, as moisture extremes often create ideal germination spots for aggressive weeds like nutsedge, dollarweed and crabgrass.
- Inspect vulnerable areas: Inspect lawn edges, walkways, driveways, garden beds and shaded soil, where weed seeds commonly take hold before spreading into the rest of the yard.
- Observe post-mowing changes: Monitor changes after mowing, because weeds often grow back faster or taller than the turf, making them easier to spot during weekly maintenance.
- Look for distinct structures: Check for flowers, seed heads or unusual stem structures, which can help distinguish weeds from desirable grass during early growth stages.
- Utilize identification resources: Photograph suspicious growth and compare it to trusted Charleston weeds identification resources, or reach out to a professional if you’re unsure. A quick diagnosis makes targeted treatment much more effective.
Turn to Simply Green Landscaping for Expert Landscaping Services
Because Charleston and Mt Pleasant face weeds across all four seasons, homeowners often struggle to stay ahead of every growth cycle. Our professionals can diagnose problems quickly, apply the right products at the right time and create a plan that strengthens your lawn so weeds don’t stand a chance.
If weeds are taking over your yard or you want help preventing them before the next growing season, we’re here for you. Contact Simply Green Landscaping to schedule your consultation and get a healthier, cleaner, weed-free lawn.
