Chickweed is a common annual weed that can quickly take over gardens, lawns, and flower beds. Controlling chickweed takes some effort, but it can be managed with the right techniques. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to get rid of chickweed and prevent it from returning.

Identifying Chickweed

The first step in chickweed control is learning how to identify the weed. There are two main types of chickweed:

Common Chickweed

Common chickweed (Stellaria media) is the more prevalent variety. It has slender stems that can reach up to 16 inches long but usually remain low-growing. The leaves are small, elliptical, and arranged in pairs along the stem. One unique identifier is the line of hairs that runs up just one side of the stem.

Common chickweed has small white flowers with five petals. These flowers can bloom throughout the year in mild climates. They produce tiny seed pods that contain large amounts of seed to spread the weed.

Mouseear Chickweed

Mouseear chickweed (Cerastium fontanum) gets its name from its low-growing, dense mats that resemble mouse ears. The stems radiate out from a central root and reach 6-8 inches long.

The leaves are oval-shaped and slightly hairy. It has small white flowers similar to common chickweed. However, mouseear chickweed blooms in early summer and its stems do not have hairs.

How Chickweed Spreads

Chickweed spreads easily and can populate new areas quickly under the right conditions. Here are the primary ways it propagates:

Seed Germination – A single common chickweed plant can produce up to 800 seeds, leading to high germination rates when the seeds spread. Seeds remain viable for up to 40 years in soil.
Stem Fragments – Pieces of chickweed stems and roots can break off, take root, and generate new plants.
Creeping Roots – The spreading stems of chickweed form mats on the ground that creep along the surface. Mouseear chickweed has especially vigorous creeping roots.
Wind Dispersal – The lightweight seeds of chickweed can blow in the wind to new locations.

Conditions That Favor Chickweed Growth

Chickweed thrives under certain environmental conditions that allow it to outcompete desirable plants. These include:

Moist soil – Chickweed prefers consistently damp soil and does not do well in dry conditions. Irrigation and frequent rainfall promote its growth.
Cool temperatures – Chickweed grows best in spring and fall when temperatures are 50-75°F. It struggles in summer heat.
Partial shade – The weed flourishes in shady to partially sunny sites. Too much hot sun causes it to wilt.
Disturbed soil – Areas of turned over soil, new plantings, and thin lawns are prime chickweed habitat.
Rich soil – Chickweed likes nutrient-rich soil and compost. Poor, dry soil helps suppress its growth.
Compacted soil – Dense, compacted soil allows chickweed roots and stems to spread rapidly along the surface.

Impacts of Chickweed Growth

While many people consider chickweed harmless, it can certainly cause issues in gardens and lawns when left uncontrolled:

Dense chickweed growth crowds out and shades desirable plants. It competes aggressively for light, moisture, and nutrients.
A chickweed infestation makes lawns look ragged and weedy, creating bare patches. It reduces turfgrass vigor.
The mats and roots of chickweed disrupt shallow-rooted plants if you try to remove it after a heavy growth.
The spreading stems of chickweed can block water and airflow to the soil surface when they interweave.
Chickweed can harbor other pests like whiteflies and slugs. It also serves as an alternate host for some crop diseases.
The shallow chickweed roots do little to hold the soil in place. This leads to erosion issues.

Cultural Control of Chickweed

Cultural control methods focus on making the environment less hospitable for chickweed growth. This reduces infestations over time without chemicals:

Promote Healthy Turfgrass

Thick, vigorous lawns are less prone to chickweed invasions. Follow good lawn care practices:

Mow at proper heights for the grass species. Never cut off more than 1/3 of the blade length.
Water deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root growth. Let the soil partially dry between waterings.
Fertilize at appropriate times with products designed for lawns. Avoid over-fertilizing.
Dethatch and aerate compacted areas to alleviate soil compaction.
Overseed bare patches in the fall with the appropriate grass seed.
Allow proper sunlight exposure for the turfgrass variety.

Manage Irrigation and Improve Drainage

Chickweed thrives in consistently moist soil. Reduce watering to dry out the top few inches of soil. Improve drainage in low, wet spots using French drains or soil amendments.

Solarization

Solarization uses sunlight to heat the soil and kill weed seeds and plants. Water the area, cover with clear plastic for 4-6 weeks in summer, and re-seed in fall.

Mulch Beds

Apply 2-4 inches of organic mulch like wood chips or shredded leaves around desired plants. This suppresses chickweed and retains soil moisture. Replenish the mulch layer annually.

Plant Groundcovers

Low-growing perennials can outcompete weeds once established. Sweet alyssum, thyme, sedum, and dichondra work well as chickweed-blocking groundcovers.

Hand Weeding

Manually remove chickweed by grasping stems close to the roots and pulling slowly to remove all traces. Dispose of plants immediately and re-seed bare spots. Doing this frequently helps reduce populations over time.

Chemical Control Methods

When cultural practices aren’t fully effective, herbicides can help control heavy chickweed infestations. Always follow product labels for precise directions:

Pre-Emergence Herbicides

Pre-emergence products like prodiamine and pendimethalin create a toxic layer on the soil surface. This prevents chickweed seeds from germinating. Apply in early spring and re-apply every 2-3 months as directed.

Post-Emergence Herbicides

Post-emergence herbicides like 2,4-D, MCPP, dicamba, and triclopyr kill actively growing chickweed. Use broadleaf weed control lawn products containing these ingredients. Spray when chickweed is young and actively growing for best results.

Glyphosate Products

Non-selective herbicides with glyphosate will kill established chickweed along with other nearby plants. Use for spot-treatment of isolated patches or to prepare badly infested areas for re-seeding.

7 Ways to Get Rid of Chickweed Plants

Using a combination of the methods above is the best approach for effective chickweed control in lawns and gardens. Here are 7 specific tips:

1. Pull Chickweed by Hand

Manually removing chickweed by hand is effective for light infestations. Grasp stems low and pull slowly to uproot the entire plant along with the shallow roots. Removing plants before they go to seed prevents further spreading.

Hand weeding works best after rain or watering when the soil is slightly moist and roots pull up easier. Use a weeding tool for larger plants. Be thorough and re-check the area every week to remove new seedlings.

2. Maintain a Thick, Healthy Lawn

Chickweed struggles to establish in dense, vigorous lawns. Mow, water, aerate, and fertilize appropriately for the grass type. Overseed thin lawns in fall. Fix compaction and improve drainage issues. Healthy grass will outcompete chickweed.

3. Apply Pre-Emergent Herbicide

Pre-emergent herbicides provide effective control by preventing chickweed seeds and stems from sprouting. Apply prodiamine, pendimethalin, or dithiopyr early in spring and re-apply every 8-12 weeks per product instructions. This suppresses new growth.

4. Use Post-Emergent Herbicides

For heavy infestations, use broadleaf weed killer spray containing 2,4-D, MCPP, dicamba, or similar ingredients when chickweed is actively growing. It may take several applications. Be aware these products can also damage desirable broadleaf plants.

5. Solarize Infested Areas

Solarization uses the sun’s heat to kill weeds and seeds up to 6″ deep. Water the area, cover with clear plastic in summer, and leave for 4-6 weeks. Replant desired vegetation in the fall. This is effective on small areas.

6. Apply Corn Gluten Meal

Corn gluten meal is an organic pre-emergent that dries out and kills chickweed seedlings as they germinate. Apply early spring and reapply every 4-6 weeks during the growing season. It takes several applications to fully control chickweed.

7. Mulch Garden Beds

A 2-4 inch layer of mulch like wood chips, shredded leaves, or straw suppresses chickweed by blocking light and preventing seeds from reaching the soil. Replenish mulch annually. Combine with hand weeding for best control.

When to Get Rid of Chickweed

Timing is important for effective chickweed removal:

Pull plants by hand or use post-emergent herbicide in early spring while chickweed is still small. This prevents lush growth and seed production.
Apply pre-emergent herbicide in very early spring before seeds sprout. Re-apply every 2-3 months through fall as directed.
Solarize in mid-summer using the hot sun to kill plants and seeds. Replant desired vegetation in fall.
Control chickweed before it flowers and goes to seed to prevent further spreading. Mow or pull plants with seed heads.
Monitor areas vigilantly in fall and wet seasons when chickweed growth explodes. Use pre and post-emergent controls.
Remove plants throughout the growing season to keep populations under control before they spread.

Preventing Chickweed From Coming Back

Preventing chickweed from continually returning requires diligence:

Inspect lawns and garden beds frequently. Remove new seedlings by hand quickly before they mature.
Maintain turfgrass health with proper mowing, fertilizing, aerating, and irrigation. Leave grass clippings in place.
Re-apply pre-emergent herbicides according to product instructions, usually every 8-12 weeks. This prevents new seeds from sprouting.
Use corn gluten meal as an organic pre-emergent in gardens. Reapply every 4-6 weeks.
Solarize badly infested areas of the lawn or garden beds to kill seeds up to 6 inches deep.
Reduce excessive soil moisture by improving drainage and adjusting irrigation practices. Allow the top few inches of soil to partially dry out between waterings.
Apply fresh mulch annually to suppress seeds. Leave no bare soil exposed. Use thick layers of newspaper or cardboard under mulch for better control.
Overseed lawns and re-plant garden beds with desirable vegetation in fall. Care for the plants properly to keep them vigorous.
Do not allow chickweed plants to go to seed. Be vigilant about mowing, pulling, or using herbicide on any plants with flowers or seed heads.

With diligence to use several integrated control methods, it is possible to get rid of chickweed and keep it from returning. But the weed must be continually monitored and any new growth quickly removed before it gets established.

Common Chickweed Control Questions

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about managing chickweed:

Does vinegar kill chickweed?

Household vinegar is not strong enough to kill chickweed when used straight. However, spraying 20% acetic acid vinegar will provide some control. Be aware it may also damage desirable plants. For best results, use horticultural vinegar with higher acetic acid concentrations.

What is the best herbicide for chickweed in lawns?

Three-way broadleaf herbicides containing 2,4-D, MCPP, and dicamba work well on chickweed infesting lawns. Products like Trimec, Weed B Gon, and Ortho Weed B Gon for Lawns use these active ingredients. Apply when chickweed is actively growing for best results.

What is a natural way to kill chickweed?

Boiling water can effectively kill chickweed without chemicals. Pour boiling water directly over plants to scald and kill them down to the roots. Avoid desirable plants. Re-apply as new seedlings emerge. Salt and vinegar solutions can also work but may harm other plants.

Does chickweed die in summer?

Chickweed prefers cool weather and often dies back in summer heat, going dormant until cooler fall temperatures. However, plants can survive summer if adequate moisture is present. Reduce watering and allow soil to partially dry out to place plants under drought stress.

What time of year does chickweed go to seed?

In spring and fall’s cool seasons, chickweed grows vigorously and produces abundant white flowers. These develop into seed pods within just a few weeks. Stop plants from self-seeding by mowing, hand pulling, or using herbicide on any chickweed with flowers or seed pods.

Does chickweed spread quickly?

Yes, chickweed spreads rapidly via creeping stems that root at nodes, allowing the weed to form dense mats. It also produces hundreds of seeds per plant that spread easily. Chickweed can cover large areas quickly under ideal conditions of consistent moisture, cool weather, and bare soil.

Conclusion

Controlling chickweed takes commitment, but it certainly can be managed with consistent effort. The best approach is to use multiple integrated methods like cultural practices, mechanical removal, and targeted herbicide application.

Be vigilant about hand pulling plants, maintaining healthy turfgrass and garden plants, mulching beds, and preventing seed production. Products containing 2,4-D or glyphosate can also help control heavy infestations when combined with proper cultural practices.

Time your control efforts properly in early spring, fall, and whenever plants are flowering. Continually monitor areas and remove any new growth before chickweed gets out of control again. With persistence and the right combination of control methods at the proper timing, you can get rid of chickweed and keep it from returning.

How to Control Chickweed

Introduction

Chickweed is a cool-season annual weed that can quickly take over gardens, lawns, and planting beds. The low-growing weed forms dense mats that crowd out desirable plants. Chickweed is resilient and spreads rapidly through seeds and creeping stems.

Controlling chickweed takes some persistence, but it can be managed without resorting to strong chemical control methods. This guide covers how to identify chickweed and ways to get rid of it organically plus when to use targeted herbicides. With consistent prevention and control, you can eliminate chickweed and keep it from returning.

Identifying Chickweed

The first step in managing chickweed is learning how to identify it. There are two main varieties:

Common Chickweed

Common chickweed (Stellaria media) has slender, weak stems that grow in a sprawling mat up to 16 inches long. The leaves are small, oval-shaped, and arranged in pairs along the stem. One key identifying trait is a line of fine hairs that runs along just one side of the stem.

Common chickweed has small white flowers with five petals. These flowers bloom March through May and can continue blooming sporadically if conditions are right. Each flower produces a tiny capsule containing tiny brown seeds.

Mouseear Chickweed

Mouseear chickweed (Cerastium fontanum) gets its name from the dense, low mats it forms that resemble mouse ears. The stems radiate out from the root and reach 4-8 inches long.

The leaves are also oval-shaped but slightly hairy and more grayish-green. Mouseear chickweed blooms in early summer with small white flowers similar to common chickweed. But its stems do not have hairs, and flowers produce just one seed per flower.

How Chickweed Spreads

Chickweed spreads aggressively through several methods:

Seed germination – Each common chickweed plant can produce up to 800 seeds, allowing widespread distribution. Seeds may remain viable in soil for up to 40 years.
Stem fragments – Broken off pieces of stems and roots can take root in soil and generate new plants.
Creeping stems – The sprawling stems root at intervals as they creep along the ground, forming dense mats.
Wind dispersal – Lightweight seeds are easily blown by wind, spreading chickweed over a wide area.

Conditions Favoring Growth

Chickweed thrives under certain conditions that allow it to crowd out more desirable plants:

Moist soil – Chickweed grows best in consistently damp soil and does poorly in dry conditions.
Cool temperatures – It flourishes in spring and fall when temperatures are 50-75°F. Hot summer temps cause it to fade.
Partial shade – The weed does best with morning sun and afternoon shade. Too much hot sun causes it to wilt.
Disturbed soil – Areas of freshly turned over soil and thin plant growth allow chickweed to populate quickly.
Rich soil – Chickweed is highly responsive to nitrogen-rich soils and compost.
Compacted soil – Dense, compacted soil enables chickweed’s shallow roots and stems to spread rapidly along the surface.

Impacts of Chickweed Growth

Although considered relatively harmless, chickweed can certainly become a problem when it goes unchecked:

Forms dense mats that crowd out and shade desirable plants, competing aggressively for light, moisture, and soil nutrients.
Gives lawns a ragged, patchy appearance. Reduces vigor of turfgrass.
Shallow roots do not hold soil well, leading to potential erosion issues.