The Complete Guide to Controlling Dollarweed for Your Houston Lawn
Dollarweed is a persistent, aggressive, hard-to-control weed that often thrives in wet soil conditions, which left unchecked can quickly take over your lawn. Recognized by its bright green, round, coin-shaped leaves—hence the name “Dollarweed”—this invasive plant thrives in Houston’s warm, humid climate and presents a serious challenge for homeowners trying to maintain a healthy, attractive lawn.
At Massey Services, we understand how frustrating Dollarweed can be for Houston residents. Today, we’ll explain what makes Dollarweed so difficult to control, why it’s important to take action now, and how our expert GreenUP Landscape Services team helps you win the battle against this stubborn weed.
What Is Dollarweed?
Dollarweed (also known as pennywort) is a perennial broadleaf weed that spreads rapidly through both seeds and underground rhizomes. Once established, it’s extremely difficult to remove completely. Even a small piece left behind in the soil can lead to full regrowth, making it a recurring problem across many lawns in the Houston area.
Dollarweed Habits and Characteristics
To effectively manage Dollarweed, it’s essential to understand why it thrives—especially in regions like Houston. Here’s what makes it such a nuisance:
- Loves Moisture: Dollarweed thrives in wet or overwatered lawns. If your yard has poor drainage or you’re watering too often, you’re creating ideal conditions for this weed.
- Highly Adaptable: Though it prefers moist areas, Dollarweed can adapt and survive in drier conditions once its roots are established.
- Active in Cooler Seasons: Thanks to Houston’s mild winters and regular rainfall, Dollarweed can be a year-round problem.
Why Dollarweed Is So Hard to Control
Several traits make Dollarweed particularly difficult to eliminate:
- Waxy Leaf Surface: The glossy, water-repelling leaves make it difficult for herbicides to adhere and penetrate.
- Irregular Growth Pattern: Dollarweed leaves grow at unpredictable angles, making even herbicide coverage tricky.
- Underground Reproduction: It spreads via rhizomes and tubers beneath the soil, allowing it to reemerge even after surface treatments.
This means pulling or spraying Dollarweed to remove from your lawn. Without expert care this often leads to temporary results—and fast regrowth.
Why You Should Be Concerned
Dollarweed is more than just an eyesore. It competes with your grass for sunlight, water, and nutrients, weakening your turf and making it more vulnerable to pests, diseases, and other invasive species. Over time, this can result in thin, patchy grass and expensive lawn repairs.
How Massey Services Controls Dollarweed
At Massey Services, we offer a comprehensive, science-based approach to lawn care in Houston and beyond. Here’s how we tackle Dollarweed effectively:
- Targeted Herbicide Applications
Our licensed specialists apply precise, seasonally timed herbicide treatments, especially during cooler months when Dollarweed is most aggressive. We’re careful to avoid damaging your lawn while ensuring the treatment penetrates the plant system to eliminate the weed at its roots.
- Customized Fertilization Program
A strong, healthy lawn is your first line of defense against Dollarweed. Our tailored fertilization programs give your turf the nutrients it needs to thrive and naturally crowd out weeds—without overstimulating weak growth.
- Water Management Strategies
In Houston’s humid climate, overwatering is a common issue. Our GreenUP team will evaluate your lawn and provide expert irrigation recommendations to ensure you’re watering efficiently. Less water means less opportunity for Dollarweed to spread.
What You Can Do to Help
While our Massey team handles the bulk of the work to eliminate Dollarweed. Here are a few simple actions you can take to support your lawn’s health:
- Water Wisely: Water deeply but infrequently to discourage shallow-rooted weeds.
- Mow High: Keep your mower at the recommended height for your grass type to shade Dollarweed and prevent its growth.
- Stay Vigilant: Watch for new patches and notify your Massey technician quickly—early intervention makes control easier and more effective.
Dollarweed Doesn’t Stand a Chance with Massey Services in Houston
Dollarweed might be tough, but it’s no match for Massey’s expert lawn care services. From targeted treatments to year-round maintenance, our team works closely with Houston homeowners to ensure your lawn stays lush, healthy, and weed-free.
We don’t just treat symptoms—we build a resilient turf ecosystem that naturally resists weeds like Dollarweed and promotes long-term lawn health.
Ready to Take Back Your Houston Lawn?
Whether you’re fighting Dollarweed or want to prevent it from invading in the first place, Massey Services is here to help. Contact us today for a free lawn inspection and customized treatment plan tailored to your Houston lawn.