In August, the summer sun may soften, but for homeowners across the South, the struggle with weeds intensifies. Crabgrass, nutsedge, and spurge don't slow down with the heat-they surge just as our lawns begin to tire. If left unchecked, they will set seed now, guaranteeing an even bigger invasion next spring. Experts say August is a pivotal month: a time when small actions make a lasting difference. From hand-pulling to smart mowing, what you do now can decide whether your lawn thrives - or whether weeds claim the season.
Published on Aug 17, 2025 - 13:55 GMT by Vivian Rhodes
Why August Matters
By August, lawns across the South are under stress. Weeks of high temperatures, coupled with occasional heavy rains, create a perfect environment for weeds to thrive. Grass growth naturally slows in late summer, but opportunistic weeds seize their chance to spread.
"August is really the crossroads," explains Dr. Emily Harrington, a turfgrass researcher at the University of Georgia. "If you let weeds seed now, you're not just fighting them this year-you're setting yourself up for double the problem next spring."
Crabgrass and spurge thrive in stressed summer lawns if left untreated in August.
This is the moment to act decisively. Pull them, shade them, or stop them chemically, but don't let them win.
The Usual Suspects: Weeds of Late Summer
Weeds in August aren't random; they follow a pattern.
Crabgrass - A relentless annual grass that germinates in spring but explodes in late summer. Its sprawling stems and sharp seed heads can quickly dominate bare patches.
Nutsedge - Often mistaken for grass, this fast-growing weed thrives in damp soil. Its triangular stems and shiny leaves are unmistakable once you learn to spot them.
Spurge - A low-growing broadleaf weed that hugs the ground and thrives in thin turf. It spreads quickly and produces abundant seed.
Dallisgrass - A coarse perennial grass that forms unsightly clumps. Common across Georgia and South Carolina, it's especially stubborn in warm-season lawns.
Each of these weeds is capable of dropping thousands of seeds in August. Left alone, they build a seed bank that lingers for years.
Control Strategies for August
The good news: you still have options.
1. Hand-Pulling and Spot Weeding
For small patches, nothing beats pulling weeds before they seed. Spurge, in particular, is shallow-rooted and easy to remove. Nutsedge is trickier; its underground tubers make it hard to eliminate completely. Pulling won't kill it, but consistent removal weakens its spread.
2. Targeted Herbicides
Selective herbicides can control crabgrass and broadleaf weeds without damaging turf, but timing and temperature matter. "You have to be cautious in August," says James Colton, a Clemson University Extension turf specialist. "High heat can make lawns sensitive to sprays. Spot treatments, not blanket coverage, are the safer choice now."
3. Smart Mowing
Raising mower blades even half an inch can make a significant difference. Taller grass shades the soil, reducing weed seed germination. Sharp blades also minimize stress on grass, giving it strength to compete naturally.
4. Watering Wisely
Nutsedge thrives in overwatered soil. Adjust irrigation to deliver deep, infrequent watering rather than frequent shallow sprinklings. A lawn that dries between waterings is less hospitable to this invasive weed.
Looking Ahead: Preparing for Fall
August is also about setting the stage for the months ahead.
Overseeding: Thin lawns are weed magnets. Overseeding in early fall thickens the turf and leaves less room for weeds to return.
Pre-Emergent Planning: Many winter weeds germinate in the fall. Applying a pre-emergent herbicide in September or October can stop them before they sprout.
Soil Health: A late-summer soil test provides valuable information for fall fertilization. Stronger, healthier lawns naturally resist weeds.
"Think of August as your last defensive play before the season shifts," says Dr. Harrington. "The lawns that get attention now are the ones that come back strongest in September."
A Homeowner's Perspective
In Charleston, homeowner Linda Humming has seen the difference firsthand. "Last summer, I ignored the crabgrass, and by spring, it had taken over half my yard," she recalls. "This year, I started pulling early, and I'm keeping my mower higher. It's made such a difference-I feel like I'm finally ahead of it."
Her experience mirrors what experts say: small actions in August save major headaches later.
So while August may feel like the season of slowing down, in the lawn it's still a season of choices. Stop weeds before they seed, and you'll give your yard the upper hand. Wait until fall, and the battle will already be lost.
Vivian Rhodes is LawnProNow's Southern Correspondent, reporting from Charleston, South Carolina. With a background in broadcast journalism and a passion for Southern landscapes, she covers lawn, garden, and environmental stories across Georgia and the Carolinas.
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