Diseases or insects that thin a lawn can result in unwanted weeds growing in the voids. The seeds of broadleaf weeds occur naturally in all soils, and they persist for 30 or 40 and sometimes as long as 50 years. Most broadleaf weeds are prolific seed producers. Many produce thousands of seeds per plant. Boxes of cheap grass seed may have many unwanted broadleaf weed seeds.
Any lawn has the potential to develop a weed infestation.
Another technique is the use of broadleaf herbicides. Products with more than one herbicide component will control a wider spectrum of broadleaf weeds. Read and follow all directions on the herbicide label. The fall represents the best time to control perennial broadleaf weeds such as dandelion, plantain, and clover. The second best time is in the late spring or early summer period.