Part 2: Winter Weeds in Cool-Season Lawns: Keeping Fescue Green
Part 2 of 2: Understanding Winter Weeds in Georgia Lawns
In Part 1 of our winter weed series, we talked about warm-season lawns like Bermuda and Zoysia, which go dormant during the cold months. Now let's look at the other side—cool-season lawns, especially Fescue, which stays green and active through the winter in North Georgia.
Fescue's winter growth keeps lawns looking beautiful, but it also means it's competing directly with weeds that thrive in the same cool, moist conditions. Managing those weeds through winter is the key to keeping your lawn dense, healthy, and disease-free.How Winter Weeds Compete with Fescue
Fescue is a hardy grass that grows best in cooler temperatures—but it's not immune to stress. Weeds like chickweed, henbit, and bittercress use the same nutrients and water that Fescue needs to maintain strength and color.
When weeds crowd out the grass, Fescue becomes thinner and weaker. That thinning invites even more weeds—and can make your lawn more susceptible to turf diseases like brown patch or dollar spot once warmer, humid weather returns around April and May.
Common Winter Weeds in Cool-Season Lawns
You'll often see these weeds in Fescue lawns during Georgia's winter months:
- Chickweed: A fast-spreading weed that forms thick, green mats.
- Henbit: Purple flowers that add unwanted color to otherwise green Fescue.
- Hairy Bittercress: Pops up quickly after rain and spreads by shooting seeds.
- Shepherd's Purse: Heart-shaped seed pods and small white flowers.
- Wild Lettuce & Prickly Thistle: Tall weeds that shade turf and steal nutrients.
- Dandelions: Persistent perennials that pop up year after year in all kinds of grass types.
These weeds germinate in fall, stay active through winter, and are well-established by early spring if left unchecked.
Winter Weed Control for Cool-Season Lawns
Use a Combination of Pre- and Post-Emergent
Pre-emergent treatments in fall prevent many weed seeds from germinating, while targeted post-emergent sprays eliminate those that break through.
Mow and Water Wisely
Keep Fescue mowed to about 3–4 inches. Avoid cutting it too short, which stresses the grass. Water deeply once a week during dry spells, but not late in the evening to prevent fungus.
Fertilize Properly
Balanced fertilization through winter strengthens Fescue's root system and helps it outcompete weeds naturally.
Keep Leaves Cleared
A thick layer of leaves traps moisture, blocks sunlight, and creates the perfect habitat for weeds. Keep the lawn clear to help your turf breathe.
Professional Follow Up if Needed
If weeds show up between treatments, many lawn care companies offer free follow-up weed control visits to spot-treat problem areas and maintain consistent results.
Protect Your Green Winter Investment
Because Fescue stays active through winter, weed control is a season-long effort. Keeping weeds under control now not only maintains your lawn's appearance but also sets it up for stronger spring growth and less stress when summer arrives.
Healthy, dense turf is your best long-term defense against weeds—and consistent seasonal care makes all the difference.
If you don't have a Fescue lawn, be sure to read Part 1 of this series, which covers how to manage winter weeds in dormant warm-season lawns like Bermuda and Zoysia. Together, these two guides offer everything you need to keep your lawn protected through our cooler months, here in Georgia.
