Doveweed Treatment Guide

Doveweed can be a very stubborn weed once it has infested a piece of turf. Multiple applications of post-emergent herbicides labeled for use with doveweed may be required to completely control doveweed that is already established on a property. Applying a pre-emergent herbicide that is labeled for doveweed earlier in the season can also help keep a doveweed outbreak from spreading.

Check out the steps and products recommended below to get control of doveweed around your home or business.

Applying a pre-emergent herbicide early enough can help prevent doveweed from taking over a lawn or other grassy area, but additional methods will likely be necessary to fully eliminate the weed.

To be fully effective, pre-emergent herbicides need to be in the soil before the doveweed seeds start to germinate. Doveweed germination occurs a bit later than most summer annual weeds. It will usually begin in the late spring or during the summer--whenever the soil temperature reaches 65-70 degrees F.

Applying a pre-emergent herbicide labeled for doveweed earlier, such as in the early spring like you would for many other weeds, will likely mean that the application is no longer effective when the doveweed seeds finally begin to germinate. To make your pre-emergent treatment more effective against doveweed, split the application in two. Apply once in the early spring and once in the late spring.

Check out our guide to spring pre-emergents for more detailed treatment steps and additional product recommendations.

Some pre-emergent products are only labeled for use in one type of grasses, such as warm-season. Always check the label before purchasing a herbicide to make sure it's labeled for use with your lawn type when considering how to treat for doveweed.

Getting rid of dove weed that has already begun to grow in your lawn can be a challenge. Multiple applications of post-emergent herbicides labeled for use on doveweed may be required to completely control this stubborn weed. To get the best results from your doveweed control plan, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Treat doveweed plants early in their growth cycle, since young plants are much more easily controlled. Once plants get too large, they are more difficult to kill.
• The treatment area may have to be watered before application to prevent damage to grass; follow the instructions on the label.
• You may also have to avoid mowing before or after application, so make sure you read your product's label carefully.
• Avoid applying your doveweed killer when your turf is stressed from drought conditions or extreme heat. Review the product label for specific temperature restrictions.
• Several doveweed control products are only labeled for use in warm season grasses like Bermudagrass, centipedegrass, St. Augustinegrass, or Zoysiagrass. Read the product label very carefully and ensure you have chosen the right product that is safe for your lawn. What products kill doveweed? See below.