Lambsquarters is a common garden weed that is fast growing. Its seeds can remain dormant in the soil for years.

1. Infestation: Problems
with weeds on lawns
U.S. Lawns

2. Weeds are invasive, unwanted plants growing in your garden and on your lawn. In taxonomy, the
term means a plant has no botanical significance. Of the 250,000 species of plants known worldwide,
around three percent are considered weeds.
They compete with cultivated plants for soil nutrients, space and sunlight. Some weeds are so
aggressive that they produce chemical substances that are toxic to cultivated plants and sometimes
harm animals and humans.
Weeds produce numerous seeds that can survive for long periods of time, allowing them to increase
their growth and spread rapidly. These seeds remain dormant and only sprout when the conditions
are right.
Examples of weed
Field bindweed is a type of weed characterized by a hardy perennial vine. Originally from Eurasia, it
is an invasive vine that is considered one of the most persistent weeds. It spreads rapidly, making it
hard to control. Field bindweeds can spread more than 10 feet during their growing season. This
weed usually sprouts in late spring and lasts throughout summer.

3. Lambsquarters is a common garden weed that is fast growing. Its seeds can remain dormant in the
soil for years. The plant is notorious for using up water in the soil.
Pigweed, or Amaranth, is perhaps the most problematic. It is an aggressive weed characterized by
fleshly, red taproots. It usually appears in late spring or early summer.
What can you do?
Applying up to three inches of mulch helps prevent weeds from growing. Not only does it stop the
sunlight reaching the seeds, it also prohibits seed germination. Mulch also helps retain water needed
by the cultivated plants. Once mulch decomposes, it provides additional nutrients to the cultivated
plants and moderates the soil temperature.
Regular maintenance of the lawn, such as mowing and raking, can help reduce the spread of the
weeds. Keep garden tools handy since weeding early on keeps these invasive plants at bay.

4. Sources:
https://uslawns.com/locations/il/southern-illinois/
https://www.almanac.com/content/common-garden-weeds
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/weeds