Why Do I Have So Many Weeds in My Lawn This Year—And What Can I Do to Get Rid of Them?
By Reder Landscaping | Midland, MI
If your lawn in Midland, MI looks more like a patchwork of weeds than lush, green grass this year, you’re not alone. Many homeowners across the Tri-Cities are asking the same question: “Why are there so many weeds in my lawn right now?” The answer lies in an unusual combination of weather patterns and lawn care timing, thankfully, there are steps you can take to turn things around.
A Wet Spring Followed by Extreme Heat: The Perfect Storm for Weeds
This year, Midland experienced a wetter-than-normal spring, followed by intense summer heat. While these conditions might seem ideal for growing grass, they actually created perfect conditions for weeds to thrive.
Here’s how it happened:
- Soaked soils and warmer temps in spring triggered early weed germination, especially for broadleaf weeds like dandelions, plantain, and clover.
- Frequent rains kept the ground moist, giving weeds a jumpstart before turfgrass had a chance to strengthen.
- Sudden heatwaves stressed cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass and fescue – leaving thin, bare spots in lawns.
- Crabgrass and other warm-season weeds then took advantage of those bare patches, rapidly spreading in the heat.
What Weeds Are Taking Over Midland Lawns This Year?
According to local horticulturists like Chuck Martin, a number of stubborn weeds are outcompeting turf this season ourmidland.com. Here are some of the most common and aggressive weeds we’re seeing in lawns across Midland and the surrounding areas:
Crabgrass – A warm-season grassy weed that thrives in hot, dry areas with bare soil. Once established, it spreads quickly and is tough to eliminate without pre-emergents.
Dandelions – Bright yellow flowers with deep taproots. They spread through wind-blown seeds and love thin, underfed lawns.
White Clover – A low-growing, nitrogen-fixing broadleaf weed. It’s especially common after wet springs and in lawns with low nitrogen levels.
Nutsedge (Water Grass) – Often mistaken for grass, this fast-growing, light green weed thrives in wet soils and spreads underground via tubers, resistant to typical broadleaf herbicides.
Annual Bluegrass (Poa annua) – winter emerges, blooms in early summer, then dies off—leaving patchy spots in your lawn.
Spurge – A fast-spreading weed that stays low to the ground and often appears in hot, dry areas.
Oxalis (Yellow Woodsorrel) – Looks like clover but with small yellow flowers. It’s a summer annual that spreads quickly once temperatures rise.
Weeds Outcompete Weak Lawns
When your lawn is stressed, weeds are more than happy to take over. Their root systems are aggressive, and they grow faster than most turfgrasses. Once established, they can crowd out your grass, making it even harder for your lawn to recover.
This year’s weather created an uphill battle for even the most carefully maintained lawns. If you didn’t apply pre-emergent herbicides early, or if you skipped fertilization during the spring rains, your grass likely fell behind while weeds surged ahead.
What You Can Do Now to Take Back Your Lawn
- Start With a Lawn Evaluation
Schedule a professional assessment to determine what types of weeds you’re dealing with. In Midland, we’re seeing a mix of broadleaf weeds, sedges, and invasive grasses like crabgrass. - Spot-Treat with Targeted Herbicides
Post-emergent herbicides can help control existing weeds. Timing and product choice are critical—especially during hot weather, when some treatments can harm your lawn. - Mow Smart
Raise your mower blade to 3–4 inches. Taller grass shades the soil, helping prevent new weed seeds from germinating. Never cut more than one-third of the grass height at once. - Fertilize at the Right Time
A summer fertilization program can help strengthen your turf, especially after the stress of heatwaves. Be cautious, though, too much fertilizer in extreme heat can burn your lawn. - Plan for Fall Overseeding
The best way to fight weeds long-term is with a thick, healthy lawn. Fall is the ideal time in Michigan for aeration and overseeding, which helps fill in bare areas and crowd out next year’s weeds.
Looking Ahead: Prevention Is Key
This year’s conditions were tough, but they also highlight how important preventative care is when it comes to lawn health. At Reder Landscaping, we’ve been helping Midland-area homeowners fight weeds and build stronger lawns for over 60 years. Whether you need a one-time treatment or a full lawn care program, we’re here to help you get your lawn back on track.
Need Help with Lawn Weeds?
Contact Reder Landscaping today for a free lawn consultation. Call 989.835.8260 or complete a request form here. Let’s create a custom plan to restore your lawn and keep it weed-free, no matter what Michigan weather throws your way next.