Stop Fall Weeds in Their Tracks!

When most people think of lawn weeds, they picture summer crabgrass or dandelions in spring. But in Georgia, some of the toughest weeds actually sneak in during the fall months. If you don’t stop them now, they’ll be waiting to take over your lawn all winter and into next spring.

At The Lawn Lab, we know fall is one of the most important seasons for lawn care. Let’s look at the most common fall weeds in Georgia, why they thrive this time of year, and what you can do to keep your turf green, healthy, and weed-free.

Common Fall Weeds in Georgia

Georgia lawns face a mix of winter annuals (plants that sprout in fall, live through winter, and die in spring) and cool-season invaders that compete with warm-season turf like Bermuda and Zoysia. Some of the most common culprits include:

• Annual Bluegrass (Poa annua): Germinates in fall and spreads aggressively until spring. One of the most stubborn grassy weeds.
  
• Wild Onion/Wild Garlic: Strong onion scent, sprouts in clumps, and nearly impossible to control by hand-pulling.
  
• Chickweed and Dandelions: Broadleaf weeds that germinate in cool weather.

If you’ve spotted any of these in past years, you can bet their seeds are ready to sprout again this fall.

Why Fall Is Prime Time for Weed Control

The secret to a beautiful spring lawn is starting in late summer and early fall. By the time you see weeds popping up in October or November, it’s already too late for prevention.

Here’s why timing matters. Pre-emergent herbicides create a barrier in the soil that blocks weed seeds from sprouting. For North Georgia, the ideal application window is late August through September. Cooler weather gives weeds the advantage, since warm-season grasses like Bermuda and Zoysia start slowing their growth. Thinner turf in fall makes it easier for weeds like henbit and annual bluegrass to sneak in and spread.

Strategies to Control Fall Weeds

1. Build a Healthy Lawn First 

Weeds don’t just appear out of nowhere—they take advantage of thin, stressed turf. A strong, healthy lawn is your first line of defense.

• Mowing: Keep Bermuda, Zoysia, and other warm-season grasses at their recommended height. Cutting too short weakens turf, while letting it grow too tall encourages weeds to creep in.
  
• Watering: Deep, infrequent watering (about 1 inch per week) helps roots grow stronger. Light, frequent watering creates shallow roots—perfect conditions for weeds.
  
• Fertilization: Balanced, seasonal fertilization keeps your grass thick and vigorous, making it harder for weed seeds to find bare soil to sprout.

A healthy lawn naturally shades the soil, leaving fewer openings for weeds like henbit or chickweed to get started.

2. Apply Pre-Emergent Herbicide in Fall 

Think of pre-emergent herbicides as a “shield” for your lawn. They don’t kill existing weeds but stop new weeds from sprouting in the first place.

• Timing is everything: In Georgia, the sweet spot for fall application is August through September, right before soil temperatures drop into the range where cool-season weeds germinate.
  
• Weeds targeted: Annual bluegrass, henbit, and chickweed are the biggest offenders stopped by fall pre-emergents.
  
• How it works: The product forms a barrier in the soil. When a weed seed tries to sprout, the barrier halts its growth.

Important: Pre-emergents are only for established lawns. If you’ve recently seeded or sprigged your turf, applying them will block grass growth, too.

3. Use Post-Emergent Spot Treatments 

Even with prevention, some weeds slip through the cracks. That’s where post-emergent herbicides come in.

• When to use: Apply directly to weeds that are already growing in your lawn.
  
• Choose the right product: Broadleaf weeds (like chickweed, dandelion, or henbit) require broadleaf-selective herbicides. Grassy weeds (like annual bluegrass) need a different formulation.
  
• Persistent invaders: Tough weeds like wild onion or nutsedge may need repeat treatments.
  

By spot-treating problem areas, you avoid unnecessary stress on your turf while keeping weeds under control.

4. Keep Up Regular Lawn Care 

Weed control isn’t just about spraying products, it is important to maintain consistent lawn health.

• Mowing schedule: Stick to a routine. Inconsistent mowing allows weeds to seed and spread.
  
• Seasonal fertilization: Fall is a transition season. Proper feeding helps your grass store energy for winter and bounce back strong in spring.
  
• Overseeding and aeration (at the right time): These practices can strengthen weak areas, but timing them correctly around weed treatments is crucial to avoid wasting effort.

The bottom line: a thick, healthy lawn is the best long-term defense. Herbicides are tools, but turf health is the real solution. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia Weeds

What are the most common fall weeds in Georgia?

Annual bluegrass, henbit, wild onion/garlic, and chickweed are some of the biggest offenders in Georgia lawns during the fall and winter months.

Why do weeds pop up more in fall?

As warm-season grasses like Bermuda and Zoysia slow their growth in cooler weather, weeds take advantage of thinning turf and bare soil to germinate and spread.

When should I apply pre-emergent herbicide in Georgia?

The ideal window is late August through early September, before soil temperatures drop enough for weed seeds to sprout.

Will pre-emergent kill existing weeds?

No—pre-emergent only prevents new weeds from germinating. For weeds already growing, you’ll need a post-emergent treatment.

Can I use pre-emergent on a newly seeded lawn?

No—pre-emergent will also block new grass seed from sprouting. Only apply on established turf.

What’s the difference between pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicides?

• Pre-emergent: Prevents weed seeds from sprouting.
  
• Post-emergent: Targets and kills weeds that are already visible.

How do I get rid of wild onions or wild garlic in my lawn?

These weeds are not controlled by pre-emergents. They require selective post-emergent herbicides and often need repeat applications for best results.

Is weed control safe for pets and kids?

When applied correctly, professional lawn treatments are safe. We recommend keeping pets and children off the lawn until the products have dried, usually a few hours.

Can I just pull weeds by hand?

Hand-pulling works for a few weeds, but many (like wild onions or annual bluegrass) regrow from bulbs or seeds left in the soil. Professional treatments are more effective long-term.

Why should I hire The Lawn Lab instead of doing it myself?

DIY products often miss the right timing, dosage, or weed type. The Lawn Lab’s six-step program is timed for Georgia’s seasons, combining pre-emergent, post-emergent, and fertilization for reliable, year-round weed control.

Do I need year-round weed control or just fall treatments?

Weeds germinate in both fall and spring, so a year-round program ensures you’re protected in every season—not just for a few months.

Weeds may be sneaky, but they don’t stand a chance against a science-based plan. At The Lawn Lab, our six-step seasonal program includes fall pre-emergent and post-emergent treatments designed specifically for Georgia lawns.

Want a greener, weed-free lawn this fall and beyond? Call 770-355-3191 today for your free estimate!