Weed group: is a creeping winter annual
Characteristics: Life cycle begins with seeds germinate in late fall and winter. Spring produces tiny star shaped white flowers on hairy stems which set seed and die as the temperature rises. The spreading branch structure develops a fibrous root system wherever they come in contact with soil. This allows chickweed to quickly take over large patches of grass.
Control:
• Cultural: Grows in moist compacted soil.
• Natural: Dig or hand pull being sure to get the entire rot.
• Chemical:Winter annuals complete their life cycle in the spring so the best time to treat with a pre-emergent herbicide will be in the fall. Apply in early fall before the weather turns cools and the seeds germinate. So long as you are not putting down seed you can use a ‘crabgrass preventer”. Beds can be spot treated however use a small 24 ounce sprayer so that you control the spay and do not over spray onto other plants, damaging them. Do not spray weeds in your beds on a windy day. The best weed control is a healthy managed lawn.