What's That Weird Grass in Your Lawn? Common Grassy Weeds in Skillman, Belle Mead & Princeton, NJ

If you’ve found yourself asking, “What is this weird grass in my lawn?” you’re not alone.

Many homeowners automatically assume it’s crabgrass, but there are several other unwanted grasses that could be the culprits. Some of these are easier to control than others, and understanding the problem is the first step to making it go away.

Here’s a breakdown of the most common grassy weeds in Central New Jersey and what you can do about them.

Identifying Weeds in Your Lawn

Before you rush to treat that pesky grass, it’s important to correctly identify it. Knowing whether a weed is something you can control or not will help set realistic expectations for your lawn care.

We’ve divided these grassy weeds into two categories: Controllable and Uncontrollable.

Controllable Grassy Weeds

1. Crabgrass

One of the most notorious offenders, crabgrass thrives in thin lawns or areas that are frequently trampled, like around the driveway or walkways. It spreads quickly, forming large, unsightly clumps that can take over your lawn if left unchecked.

Crabgrass is often blamed for any unusual grass growth, and for good reason—its aggressive nature is hard to miss. However, it's possible to reduce its growth with early prevention. At Green Valley, we apply a split application (Apps 1 & 2) of pre-emergent to prevent crabgrass from sprouting in the spring, which is very effective at stopping crabgrass in its tracks.

2. Nutsedge

Another weed we see often in our region is nutsedge. It grows in moist areas and thrives in hot weather. Nutsedge is sometimes confused for grass, but it’s actually a sedge related to plants like bulrushes and rushes.

What makes nutsedge tricky is its aggressive growth. It can grow much faster than your grass, making it tough to keep up with. We use specialized control products to target this weed, but it is very resilient and may take repeated treatments to get it under control.

Uncontrollable Grassy Weeds

Unfortunately, some of the most common grassy weeds are impossible to fully control. That doesn’t mean there’s nothing you can do, but it's important to know what you're up against.

3. Annual Bluegrass

This weed is often mistaken for dying grass since it has a short lifecycle. It produces bright green patches and spreads seeds before dying off in late spring or early summer. While annual bluegrass isn't controllable, it’s not a major issue in the long run. The best approach is to overseed your lawn to fill in the bare spots once it dies off.

4. Nimblewill

Nimblewill is a non-native perennial that is becoming a bigger problem in our area. It's invasive and can spread rapidly. Sadly, nimblewill is uncontrollable and the best way to deal with it is by physically digging it out or applying non-selective herbicides, followed by overseeding in the fall.

5. Zoysia Grass

Zoysia is a warm-season grass that can take over a lawn if it’s not properly maintained. While it is sometimes intentionally planted, it can also creep into other areas of your lawn, causing frustration. Unfortunately, the only effective method of control is digging it out or applying non-selective herbicide, which will also harm the surrounding desirable grass. Multiple treatments may be needed, and you’ll want to reseed in the fall.

6. Creeping Bentgrass

Commonly used on golf courses, creeping bentgrass is another grass type that’s slowly invading local lawns. This grass can be carried by shoes from golf courses or even the tires on your gold cart, making it a tricky one to avoid. If you’re a golfer, consider wiping off your shoes before walking on your lawn to prevent spreading. Once it’s in your yard, it’s difficult to control without applying non-selective herbicides and reseeding.

How to Deal with Weird Grass in Your Lawn

The key to dealing with these grassy weeds is proactive lawn care. At Green Valley, we always recommend aerating and overseeding your lawn in the fall. This not only strengthens the healthy grass in your lawn, but it also helps choke out the unwanted weeds over time. A thick, healthy lawn is your best defense against weeds.

Don’t expect a quick fix, though. If your lawn is filled with weeds, it may take a few seasons of consistent care to see the full results. But with patience and regular care, your lawn's desired turf species will begin to thicken and choke out unwanted grass types becoming more uniform in color and appearance, gradually eliminating those pesky weeds.

Why Choose Green Valley for Weed Control?

At Green Valley, we take weed control seriously. Whether it’s the well-known crabgrass or a more stubborn weed like nutsedge, we use specialized treatments with proven success.

We understand that no lawn is perfect, and sometimes that means being honest about what we can and can’t control. We’re always transparent with our customers.

If you’re ready to take control of your lawn’s health and say goodbye to those strange controllable grasses, Green Valley is here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our lawn care services!