Nothing strums the chords of discontent and frustration in a gardener quite like the presence of weeds. The bane of even the weekend green thumb, weeds are pervasive and (sometimes) downright evil. The best way to protect your lawn, flowerbeds, and garden, from these invasive plants, is by quickly identifying them.

#1: Recognizing Dandelions

Their bright shade of yellow is unmistakable! Dandelions are perennial weeds that sprout up in the fall and spring. Once their trademark blossom expires, they turn into a blossom of seeds, ready to spread about the yard. The best tactic is to uproot them before the blossoms expire.

#2: Catching Crabgrass

Crabgrass is a sure candidate for causing crabby afternoons. You'll recognize it by its tight leaves, which form a crab-like circle. It flourishes in weak or bare areas, and it thrives when under and over watered. Cutting the lawn too short can encourage its growth. You can deter it by using a pre-emergence herbicide.

#3: Identifying Clover

White or Dutch clover is a perennial weed. It takes root in poor soil that lacks nitrogen, and it can single-handedly ruin the greenness of your lawn. If you spot these white balls of malice and want to remove them, hand digging small patches may be your best bet.

#4: Unwanted Ground Ivy

Ground ivy is green, which means it can start sprouting up unnoticed if you are not astute in your lawn and gardening maintenance. It prefers shady, moist areas. The leaves look similar to a Shamrock.

Ground ivy is an exceptionally aggressive weed. The best defense is offense; use a post-emergent herbicide spray and keep up with regular applications. Establishing new grass is one of the best ways to discourage this menace from re-rooting.

#5: Spotting Chickweed

You've probably seen this unscrupulous weed before and didn't even know it. Chickweed is an annual plant that clings to shady, moist soil. It prefers thin lawns suffering from poor drainage. It looks like mini ivy or clover but without the flowery bits.

Heavy infestations are best treated with a pre-emergent herbicide applied early in the spring and fall. If the weed is already visible, stepping on the stems to crush them and sprinkling lawn fertilizer on top can help kill them.

When In Doubt, Check It Out

Not sure if a plant in your lawn or garden is a weed? If you didn't plant it, then chances are it is a weed.When in doubt, always check it out. Compare it to pictures of common weeds to deduce just what you are facing or contact a landscaper (like Pattie Group, Inc).