Dollarweed, or pennywort, is a perennial weed that thrives in warm, humid and moist environments, particularly in waterlogged soils. Dollarweed spreads aggressively through tubers, rhizomes and seeds, making it particularly challenging to control once it takes root in your lawn.
To effectively prevent dollarweed, you must address its specific habitat preferences and rapid spread through both above-ground and below-ground means. Pre-emergent weed controls like Prodiamine and Atrazine are highly effective for preventing dollarweed before it can germinate.
Maintain a Healthy Lawn: Cultural Practices to Discourage Dollarweed
A well-maintained lawn is your best defense against dollarweed. Here are some key cultural practices to help your turf naturally outcompete this invasive weed:
Proper Irrigation
Dollarweed loves water and thrives in areas with overly moist soil. To prevent its growth, avoid overwatering your lawn. Adjust your irrigation schedule to water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between watering sessions.
Ensuring your lawn is not constantly wet is one of the most effective ways to limit dollarweed growth.
Improve Drainage
Because dollarweed thrives in areas with poor drainage, improving water runoff and aeration in your lawn is essential. Aerating your lawn helps reduce soil compaction, allowing better water penetration and reducing moisture buildup.
In particularly waterlogged areas, consider installing drainage systems like French drains or re-grading the soil to direct water away from the lawn.
Regular Mowing
Mowing your lawn at the appropriate height for your grass type is crucial. Dollarweed can easily take over when the grass is mowed too short.
Taller, healthy grass shades the soil and helps prevent weed seeds from germinating. Always mow at the correct height to keep your lawn thick and resilient.
Proper Fertilization
A well-fertilized lawn promotes dense, healthy turf that can crowd out weeds like dollarweed. Use fertilizers that match your grass type and provide essential nutrients without encouraging excessive moisture.
Consider using specialized fertilizers such as Lawnifi®, which offer slow-release nutrients to strengthen your lawn while minimizing weed growth.
Soil Test: Optimize for Dollarweed Prevention
Healthy soil is essential for maintaining a lawn that can resist weed infestations. Conduct a soil test to determine the pH and nutrient levels of your lawn, allowing you to adjust your fertilization practices accordingly.
pH Adjustment
Dollarweed thrives in poorly managed soil. Adjusting the soil pH to suit your turfgrass will create an environment less favorable for dollarweed growth. Proper pH management ensures your grass stays healthy and competitive.
Nutrient Management
Based on your soil test results, apply the necessary nutrients to correct any deficiencies. A balanced nutrient approach will help your grass grow more densely, leaving little room for weeds to establish.
Introduce Dense Turfgrass to Choke Out Dollarweed
Planting dense, thick-growing turfgrass varieties is an effective long-term solution to preventing dollarweed. These grasses help crowd out dollarweed by leaving no space for it to establish.
Recommended Varieties
Consider turfgrass varieties like Empire Zoysia, Innovation Zoysia or Palmetto St. Augustine. These grasses form a thick canopy that shades the soil, making it difficult for dollarweed to thrive. A dense turf also reduces the moisture level at the soil surface, further discouraging weed growth.
Dollarweed Pre-Emergent Weed Control Use
In some cases, cultural controls may not be enough to prevent dollar weed, especially in areas prone to moisture. Pre-emergent and post-emergent weed control products can help control dollar weed effectively.
Pre-Emergent Control
Pre-emergent weed controls like Prodiamine and Atrazine are highly effective for preventing dollarweed before it can germinate.
Prodiamine creates a barrier that stops weed seeds from sprouting, while Atrazine targets pre- and post-emergent weeds.
For best results, apply these weed control products in early spring when the soil starts to warm, particularly in areas with excessive moisture or poor drainage where dollarweed thrives.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Dollarweed Prevention
To successfully prevent dollarweed, avoid these common mistakes:
Overwatering
Excessive watering can create the perfect environment for dollarweed to thrive. Always monitor your lawn’s moisture needs and avoid over-irrigation.
Incorrect Mowing Practices
Mowing too short weakens the grass, making it more susceptible to weed invasions. Stick to the recommended mowing height for your grass type.
Improper Weed Control Application
Applying weed control at the wrong time or using the wrong product can be ineffective. Always follow product label instructions and apply pre-emergents and post-emergents at the right time for optimal results.
How Can I Prevent Dollarweed? - Answered
Following these preventive measures can effectively reduce the risk of dollarweed becoming a persistent problem in your lawn. Focus on cultural practices like proper mowing, watering less frequently and improving drainage.
Conduct soil tests to optimize fertilization, and if needed, apply pre-emergent weed control products at the correct time. You can keep dollarweed at bay and enjoy a healthy, lush yard with a well-maintained lawn and the right management techniques.
