Controlling Doveweed in Georgia Lawns

Doveweed, or Murdannia nudiflora, is an invasive type of summer annual weed often found in lawns across Georgia. This nuisance weed is believed to have originated in the Southeastern United States. While its name might sound gentle and harmless, doveweed is quite the opposite and will wreak havoc on your lawn. 

What does doveweed look like?

Doveweed can be quite tricky to identify as it is light green and looks much like other types of grass and blends into the lawns it infiltrates. However, if you look more closely, you’ll notice some key differentiators. For example, the leaves of doveweed are thick and shiny with a rubber-like texture. The leaves can grow up to four inches in length. 

Doveweed also produces creeping stolons, or stems, and often grows in dense clusters once established. Although these clusters may look velvety, they are actually rough to the touch. These clusters generally produce pale purple flowers throughout the summer months. 

Another way to detect doveweed is not by what you can see, but by what you can smell. When doveweed is crushed or trampled on, it creates a harsh odor. 

How does Doveweed grow and spread? 

Doveweed thrives in moist conditions and spreads vegetatively as it produces new shoots from existing plants. This means that mowing can break the stolons and cause doveweed to spread. As seeds are produced, the weed can spread even more.  

Why is it hard to get rid of Doveweed?

Doveweed is hard to eliminate for a number of reasons. The seeds of this weed are tough and can stay dormant underground for a few years before sprouting. Environmental conditions play a role in the equation. As previously mentioned, this weed likes moist conditions, so if a lawn doesn’t drain well, or receives too much rainfall, that will contribute to the weed’s ability to grow and spread. 

How do I get rid of Doveweed? 

There are no overnight solutions to eradicating your lawn of doveweed. It will take a combination of cultural control methods as well as pre- and post-emergent applications to resolve the issue, and most importantly, it will take time to remedy the issue. In fact, it often takes two to three years of continuous treatment due to the doveweed seed’s ability to live in the soil for several years. 

Cultural control methods for doveweed elimination include:

• Proper mowing: If you mow your lawn too short, the weed will be able to get the sunlight it needs to grow. 
• Proper irrigation: Poor drainage and too much water will encourage doveweed to continue growing. 
• Proper watering: Avoid watering your lawn if doveweed-bearing fruit is present. 
• Fertilization: A thick, dense turf will help keep doveweed out. 
• Aerate your lawn: This will help uncompact the soil, which not only helps keep the weeds out but also aids in better drainage for the soil surface. 

Pre- and post-emergent applications are also a key to getting doveweed under control. The team at got lawn? Tree and Turf Care can help you identify if your lawn has doveweed or any other weed issues and recommend the best treatment plan for your lawn’s specific needs. Learn more about our lawn care plans, which include pre- and post-emergent applications, on our website. If you’d like a free quote, give us a call at 470-785-8855.