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8 Spring Weeds You Must Pull Before They Flower

By Ashley Zlatopolsky Dengarden

Updated April 15, 2026 9:04 AM

arena photography — Photo by Tunatura on Getty Images

As temperatures warm up, weeds start to pop up just as quickly. If you don't get ahead of them, they can take over your lawn and garden before you know it. That's why timing is everything: pulling weeds before they flower keeps them from spreading seeds and multiplying. Below are some of the most common spring weeds to watch for, plus how to get rid of them effectively.

1. Dandelions (Nationwide)

Dandelions can grow just about anywhere in your garden, but tend to thrive in lawns, sunny areas and neglected spaces. They spread easily through airborne seeds, which is why pulling them before they flower is essential to prevent hundreds of new plants from forming.

"These perennial weeds can outcompete plants that you do want to grow and are very difficult to remove once established," says Angelika Zaber, lawn care specialist and gardening expert at Online Turf.

There are several ways to remove dandelions, but herbicide is often the most effective approach. "You can try hand-pulling if you only have a couple," Zaber adds. "However, the roots can often be as long as two to three feet deep, so unless you can get all of them out, a weed killer is a better option."

If dandelions are growing near desirable plants, choose a selective weed killer to avoid damaging surrounding vegetation. "If it's in an area where this is not a concern, then a non-selective weed killer is fine, too," Zaber notes.

2. Crabgrass (Warmer Regions and Nationwide)

Crabgrass is a fast-spreading weed that thrives in warm weather and often takes root in thin or stressed lawns. It grows outward in clumps and can quickly overpower healthy grass if left unchecked.

Prevention is the best way to manage crabgrass. A pre-emergent herbicide applied early in the season can stop seeds from germinating. If young plants emerge, pull them by hand or treat them with a post-emergent herbicide before they spread.

3. Clover (Nationwide)

Clover is found in lawns across the country and can spread quickly if your grass isn't dense and healthy. Many homeowners don't mind clover, with some even replacing their grass lawns with it, but it can take over and compete with turfgrass.

Clover can be controlled by hand-pulling small patches or using a selective herbicide designed for broadleaf weeds. Maintaining a thick, well-fertilized lawn is one of the best long-term ways to keep clover from returning.

4. Henbit (Eastern and Central U.S.)

Henbit is a common spring weed that produces small purple flowers and spreads quickly in cool weather. You'll typically find it growing in lawns, garden beds and along walkways.

It's important to remove henbit before it flowers since it can spread seeds rapidly. Hand-pulling is an effective method for small infestations, while larger patches can be controlled with a post-emergent herbicide applied early in the season.

5. Purslane (Warmer Regions)

Purslane is a low-growing succulent weed that thrives in warm conditions and spreads rapidly across garden beds and open soil. Its thick, fleshy leaves help it hold onto moisture, allowing it to survive dry conditions and take over an area fast once it's established. Purslane, like many garden weeds, is edible.

Purslane can regrow from small root fragments, so pulling it early is essential. Mulching garden beds can also prevent it from taking hold by blocking sunlight and limiting its growth.

6. Canada Thistle (Northern Regions)

Canada Thistle is a highly invasive perennial weed that's listed as noxious in more than 30 states. It thrives in disturbed soil, pastures and roadsides, spreading rapidly through seeds and underground roots that make it especially difficult to control once established.

Because of its deep root system, repeated removal or targeted herbicide use is often required. Persistence is key here: remove Canada Thistle early and consistently to weaken the plant over time.

7. Spotted Spurge (Nationwide)

Spotted Spurge is a fast-growing weed that forms low, mat-like patches. It thrives in warm, sunny areas and can reseed itself quickly, which is why early removal is essential.

Young plants can be hand-pulled before they flower and produce seeds, while a pre-emergent herbicide can help control larger infestations and prevent new growth. Overall, maintaining healthy turf can discourage Spotted Surge from returning.

8. Chickweed (Cooler Regions)

This low-growing weed forms dense mats that can smother grass and garden plants. It grows quickly in a range of environments, from cooler coastal regions to backyard gardens.

"This weed usually thrives in any cool, moist or disturbed spots in your garden," Zaber says. "As a result, it's often found in garden beds, borders and thin, weak lawns."

If chickweed is allowed to flower, it can quickly create a "seed bank" in the soil that can set the stage for ongoing weed problems that can be difficult to control for years.

To get rid of chickweed, hand-pulling is usually most effective because the plant is easy to remove. "If you're already struggling with a large infestation, then using a weed killer may be easier and less time-consuming," Zaber adds.

Chickweed can also be controlled by smothering it with mulch or landscape fabric, which blocks sunlight and prevents it from growing.

The best way to stay ahead of weeds is to catch them early. Pulling them before they flower helps stop them from spreading in the first place. Combine that with regular lawn care, like mowing, watering and fertilizing, and you'll give your yard a much better chance of staying healthy and weed-free all season long.

This story was originally published April 15, 2026 at 8:00 AM.