Even though these weeds are fairly easy to control, it is important to understand that you need not eliminate all weeds from your lawn, and a few weeds are acceptable. It is not economically or environmentally practical to eliminate all weeds from your lawn. The best way to minimize weeds in your lawn is through good cultural practices. On the other hand, the best way to encourage weeds in your lawn is by using poor management techniques such as low mowing, no or improperly timed fertilization, and over-watering.
Weeds can also infest areas killed by disease or insects.
The seeds of broadleaf weeds occur naturally in all soils, and they persist for 30 or more years. Most broadleaf weeds are prolific seed producers. Many produce thousands of seeds per plant, and these seeds can disperse into your lawn from miles away. Boxes of poor quality, inexpensive grass seed may have many unwanted broadleaf weed seeds. Broadleaf weed seeds are often in any topsoil brought on the lawn.